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Discussion

when to call a code

I feel so stupid right now I have lost sleep over the events that transpired this morning.

Had pt come in POV. OD, unresponsive, and apenic. So, I say, "call a code."

Yes, pt had a pulse, but although I had doc at bedside I knew I would need more resources such as additional RNs, RTs, Rad, and anyone else that comes to help. Who knows how long pt was without airway.

ED the doc at bedside agreed a code should be called (even with pulse present).

I got some puzzled looks from some other staff tho, and I just felt so dumb for wanting to call a code immediately as I see my pt rolling down the hall and into the room.

In our ED there is no such thing as rapid response, that is something only used on the floor. If anything it can't hurt to call a code, right? OR should I only reserve that for pts in lethal rhythms? :uhoh3:

Thanks guys, I felt like such a noob last night. That was only one of many blunders, but definitely the one I felt most stupid for.

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    Only time I don't usually call a code in a respiratory arrest situation is if we are sure it's a narcotic OD (we know them or the story) and we have enough staff around to get the Narcan right away but I agree that in your situation you did the right thing. The definition of a code in my experience has always been cardiac OR respiratory arrest.

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    I say you did the right thing, and I'm not even a nurse :)

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    We don't "call codes" on our ED, but I think you did the right thing. You needed help and the patient was in danger of coding, so calling a code will get everyone to the bedside quickly and prevent a possible arrest. I say good job. I'm fortunate to have great co-workers who would not get on anyone's case if they did something that was not technically "correct" but served a purpose. We once had a CT tech have security call a "trauma" because a pt had a seizure in the CT. It wasn't the right thing to call, but it got attention to the patient and we just sent the trauma team back upstairs.

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    Is the patient still alive? Then you did the right thing!

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