Rapid Response VS Code Blue? - Page 2

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  1. Jan 4, '11 by
    We have posters around that show criteria for RR - use it and call it.
  2. Jan 4, '11 by
    Code Blue -- patient is dead

    Rapid Response -- change in pt condition from respiratory distress/severe hypotension all the way up to "almost dead, just about to die." Don't call a Rapid Response if the patient's not breathing or doesn't have a pulse. We had a nurse call a RRT, because the patient had lost a pulse but was still "breathing" -- the patient was having agonal respirations, O2 sat was in the 40's and dropping, and asystole. Pt should have been a code. I got there, slammed the button, but it cost the patient 3 minutes they didn't have.

    When in doubt, hit the big blue button. I'd rather run to a code that was a RRT than hurry to a RRT that should have been a code.
    on eagles wings likes this.
  3. Mar 11, '11 by
    so if i go into my pt's room to do my assessment. i notice she is cyanotic, is dyspneic and has a pulse ox of 73%, is that when I would call a rapid response?

    if i go into my pt's room and call the pt by name...she's not responsive. i call her again by name, no answer. i do my ABC check, still nothing. no spontaneous breathing or pulses. this is when I would call a code blue right?
    mitral likes this.
  4. Mar 12, '11 by
    Rapid response is "Oh crap, they don't look good".

    Code blue is "Oh *&#% get the crash cart".

    At my facility the goal of a RR is to avoid a full blown code. Basically if there is a change in condition to the point that if there is not rapid intervention the pt will potentially die or suffer serious harm, we call a RR.

    So it kinda depends on the nurse and the floor as to whether or not a RR gets called.

    Like in the post above...some would go ahead and call a RR for the first scenario presented...some would slap on increased O2, call RT to come check the pt, assess for any changes in LS, and call MD for further orders (assuming that there was improvement in sats).

    It's kinda fuzzy...depends on the pt, the experience level of the nurse, response to interventions, etc.

    Bottom line though is it's always better to call a RR, or even a code, and not need all the extra help than to wish you would have hit that button a few minutes earlier.
    on eagles wings and hiddencatRN like this.
  5. Mar 13, '11 by
    Quote from Esme12
    Honey, Don't get hung up on the words......It doesn't matter what you call it....but if you need help call for it!
    If someone in the kitchen calls a code because someone passes out ......I would rather run and have nothing to do than not run and have a dead body!

    There will always be someone in the crowd who knows it ALL and will roll their eyes and say...."I have NO idea why she called a code/RR......it's OBVIOUS there's nothing wrong. IGNORE THEM! if you need help call for it.......It's a whole lot easier to back down than say "I wish I would have....." Some people just can't help themselves and have to say SOMETHING about EVERYTHING!

    Some facilities have specific criteria for calling a code or Rapid Response,find your facilities amd get to know it....but never hesitate calling because you are trying to debate what to call......just call. Time will pass and your will get more experienced and before you know it it will be second nature! :redpinkhe
    Couldn't have said it better! Just call, and if anyone gets up your skirt about the level of the call, shrug and say, "But thanks for all the help. Couldn't have done it without you!"
    mitral likes this.