Week 1.

Why is regular vital sign monitoring critical in recognising patient deterioration?

It enables early detection of changes, creating multiple opportunities for timely intervention.

What vital signs are essential to monitor regularly?

Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

What is a common error in interpreting vital signs?

Viewing vital signs in isolation rather than identifying patterns across multiple parameters.

What can underestimating "minor" changes in vitals lead to?

Delayed recognition of serious underlying conditions.

What are the benefits of using formal response systems?

Clear escalation pathways, defined trigger points, rapid access to help.

What happens when response systems are lacking?

Uncertainty, delays, and variable care quality.

Beyond recognition, what clinical skills are essential in managing deterioration?

Comprehensive assessment, airway management, oxygen therapy, and team communication.

Why is effective communication vital during patient deterioration?

To convey a complete clinical picture with clarity, enabling timely intervention.

What are the visual signs of airway compromise?

Foreign bodies, facial trauma, neck swelling, use of accessory muscles.

What are abnormal airway sounds to listen for?

Stridor, gurgling, hoarseness, snoring, absent breath sounds.

What do you feel for in airway assessment?

Air movement, crepitus, tracheal deviation, subcutaneous air.

What are key observations in breathing assessment?

Chest movement, respiratory rate, cyanosis, accessory muscle use.

What breath sounds are abnormal?

Crackles, wheezing, diminished breath sounds, stridor

What should be measured in breathing?

Oxygen saturation, RR, End-Tidal CO₂, ABG.

What visual signs indicate circulatory issues?

Pallor, external bleeding, JVD, haemorrhage.

What should you feel for in circulation?

Pulse (quality, rhythm, rate), skin temperature, moisture, perfusion changes.

What are key circulatory measurements?

BP, HR, lactate, haemoglobin, urine output.

What do you look for in disability assessment?

What is used to assess consciousness level?

ACVPU/ AVPU and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

What other parameters are assessed?

Pupil symmetry, blood glucose, pain score.

What are important exposure observations?

Skin colour, bleeding, rashes, bites, IV sites

What should be measured in exposure?

Temperature, drain volumes, IV access insertion

What are the physiological needs in Maslow’s hierarchy?

Breathing, circulation, hydration, nutrition, elimination.

What falls under “Safety Needs” in nursing?

Protection from harm, fall prevention, medication safety.

How is “Esteem” supported in recovery?

Respect, dignity, independence, patient autonomy.

What does the ABC approach stand for?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation – a method to prioritise life-threatening issues.

What are the 5 categories of the Australasian Triage Scale?

1. Immediately life-threatening

2. Imminently life-threatening

3. Potentially life-threatening

4. Potentially serious

5. Less urgent

What does the C.U.R.E. framework stand for?

Critical, Urgent, Routine, Extra – used to prioritise tasks.

What is the purpose of a track and trigger system?

To detect deterioration early through systematic observation and initiate escalation.

What does TRACK mean in this context?

Systematic monitoring and recording of vital signs 

What does TRIGGER mean?

Activating response protocols when thresholds are breached.

What does ISBAR stand for?

Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

Why use ISBAR?

To ensure structured and effective communication during escalation.

What does “A” stand for in A-H documentation?

Airway – note patency and obstructions.

What is included under “F” – Fluids?

Fluid balance, hydration status, IV therapy.