Rapid Assessment of the Acutely Ill Patient

Rapid Assessment of the Acutely Ill Patient explores the principles of assessment for patients at risk of condition deterioration or those recently relocated from higher levels of care. The focus is on patient assessment, interpretation of data, consideration of preparations for further assessment, immediate management of significant problems, and prevention of deterioration in clinical outcomes.

Rapid Assessment of the Acutely Ill Patient provides a framework for initial assessment and explores principles of effective assessment. Systems are then evaluated on a system-by-system basis, including:

• Airway & breathing
• Circulation
• Consciousness and reduced consciousness
• Exposure, fluids & electrolytes
• Nutritional needs (feeding) and elimination functions
• Infection, infection control, and sepsis key principles
• Key principles of medications in acute care
• Psychology, pain and comfort
• Rest and sleep