The parent of a 7-month-old reports that the child has been crying and vomiting with a distended belly for the past 4 hours. The infant is now lying quietly in the parent's arms with a pulse of 200/min and respirations of 60/min. Which of the following components of SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation/read-back) communication is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation/read-back) is an established reporting format used to communicate with the health care provider (HCP). Use of SBAR ensures that the HCP receives the necessary information to make a clinical judgment regarding treatment or need for immediate assessment. In this situation, the client's presentation indicates worsening symptoms that require immediate intervention. The client's lethargy represents a declining level of consciousness. The client also has significantly abnormal vital signs (normal infant pulse rate is 110- 160/min, respirations generally around 40/min). These are ominous signs that should be reported immediately (Option 3). (Option 1) Although it is helpful to know that the change is fairly recent, it is most important to report the current concerning change in the client's clinical presentation and vital signs. (Option 2) Abnormal vital signs with a decreased level of consciousness are not improvements; rather, these findings indicate deterioration. (Option 4) It would not be appropriate to assume and treat potential constipation in this client without further assessment and diagnostic procedures. The nurse needs to assess additional aspects, including bowel sounds, abdominal characteristics, and temperature. Vital signs this significantly abnormal would not be caused by constipation. Educational objective: SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation/read-back) is used to transmit complete essential information to the health care provider. Any abnormal vital signs or current deterioration should be communicated immediately
SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation/read-back) is an established reporting format used to communicate with the health care provider (HCP). Use of SBAR ensures that the HCP receives the necessary information to make a clinical judgment regarding treatment or need for immediate assessment. In this situation, the client's presentation indicates worsening symptoms that require immediate intervention. The client's lethargy represents a declining level of consciousness. The client also has significantly abnormal vital signs (normal infant pulse rate is 110- 160/min, respirations generally around 40/min). These are ominous signs that should be reported immediately (Option 3). (Option 1) Although it is helpful to know that the change is fairly recent, it is most important to report the current concerning change in the client's clinical presentation and vital signs. (Option 2) Abnormal vital signs with a decreased level of consciousness are not improvements; rather, these findings indicate deterioration. (Option 4) It would not be appropriate to assume and treat potential constipation in this client without further assessment and diagnostic procedures. The nurse needs to assess additional aspects, including bowel sounds, abdominal characteristics, and temperature. Vital signs this significantly abnormal would not be caused by constipation. Educational objective: SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation/read-back) is used to transmit complete essential information to the health care provider. Any abnormal vital signs or current deterioration should be communicated immediately
