Escalation Pathway
When and in what situations should you consider asking for help and medically escalate a situation?
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Any event in which patient safety is compromised
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Any time in which the resident feels uncomfortable or has a concern
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Violation of mutual respect or disagreement with plan of care (patient, family or consultants)
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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)
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Significant new laboratory abnormalities (K >6 mEq/L, Na <120 mEq/L, Hemoglobin drop requiring transfusion, lactate >4 mmol/L)
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Change in mental status/new neurologic deficit or seizure/delirium tremens
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Positive cardiac enzymes or significant EKG changes
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Fall with injury
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Suicide attempt/disruptive behavior
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Procedures requiring consent (e.g. blood transfusion, paracentesis, central line)
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Transfer to higher level of care (Step-down or ICU)
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Unexpected death
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Against medical advice discharges or elopement

