What it means
A hospital team, often a critical care nurse, a respiratory therapist and a provider, that can be called to assess and treat a client before a cardiac or respiratory arrest happens. Hospitals set criteria for calling, such as sudden changes in vital signs, oxygen level, mental status or urine output, or a nurse who is simply worried. In many hospitals, families can call too.
For the nurse
Call when a client is getting worse, even if you are not sure why; do not wait for the provider to call back. Have recent vital signs, the client's history and the chart ready, and give a concise report.
At a glance
| Also written | rapid response teams, rapid response, medical emergency team |
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Related terms
resuscitation
Emergency treatment to restore breathing, heartbeat or blood circulation.
intensive care unit
A hospital unit that gives close, constant care to people who are critically ill.
unstable
Describes a client whose condition is changing quickly or is hard to predict.