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Escalation Pathway

When and in what situations should you consider asking for help and medically escalate a situation?

  • Any event in which patient safety is compromised 

  • Any time in which the resident feels uncomfortable or has a concern

  • Violation of mutual respect or disagreement with plan of care (patient, family or consultants)

  • Significant new vital sign abnormalities (systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg, heart rate >130 or <45 with concern for arrhythmia, new oxygen requirement of 4L or tachypnea)

  • Significant new laboratory abnormalities (K >6 mEq/L, Na <120 mEq/L, Hemoglobin drop requiring transfusion, lactate >4 mmol/L)

  • Change in mental status/new neurologic deficit or seizure/delirium tremens

  • Positive cardiac enzymes or significant EKG changes

  • Fall with injury

  • Suicide attempt/disruptive behavior

  • Procedures requiring consent (e.g. blood transfusion, paracentesis, central line)

  • Transfer to higher level of care (Step-down or ICU)

  • Unexpected death 

  • Against medical advice discharges or elopement

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©2022 by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai - Elmhurst Hospital

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