If a patient deteriorates on a unit, what is the appropriate escalation action?

• A. Activate emergency response or rapid response team as needed
• B. Wait for next shift
• C. Call family before any action
• D. Increase documentation only

Answer: (A)

When a patient shows sudden signs of decline, act quickly to get skilled help on the scene. Activating the emergency response or rapid response team brings in clinicians who can immediately assess and stabilize the patient, address airway, breathing, and circulation issues, and determine the next steps, including notifying the primary team or arranging transfer if needed. Delays—from waiting for a new shift, calling family first, or simply increasing notes without intervening—can allow the situation to worsen and jeopardize safety. The best action prioritizes rapid, on-unit expert assessment and foundational stabilization to prevent escalation and buy time for definitive management.