How to assess deteriorating patients

Barker, M; Rushton, MA; Smith, J

Abstract

This article aims to help practitioners to undertake the assessment of
deteriorating patients using a standardised ABCDE (airway, breathing,
circulation, disability, exposure) approach that allows the practitioner
to assess the patient in a structured and timely manner, and to identify
the specific needs of the patient using the look, listen and feel method.
Systematic assessment is central to recognising a deteriorating
patient and to taking timely and appropriate action to minimise the
incidence of further deterioration.
The ABCDE approach can be used to identify patients at risk of
becoming acutely unwell and to summon appropriate assistance at
an early stage.
The practitioner should review obtained physiological data to develop
an effective management plan and indicate future investigations

Citation

Barker, M., Rushton, M., & Smith, J. (2015). How to assess deteriorating patients. Nursing Standard, 30(11), 34-36. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.30.11.34.s44

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 4, 2014
• Publication Date: Nov 11, 2015
• Deposit Date: May 6, 2016
• Journal: Nursing Standard
• Print ISSN: 0029-6570
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-9018
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 34-36
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.30.11.34.s44
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.7748/ns.30.11.34.s44
• Related Public URLs: http://journals.rcni.com/journal/ns
• Additional Information: Funders : Nursing Standard