CODE! Need help

[vincejojo]

Please could someone tell me the precise thing to tell the Doc. about the patient during a code. Brief and important information. Thank you.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

He's dead Jim.

[WalkieTalkie, RN]

I usually give them their admitting diagnosis and any pertinent information such as acute renal failure, heart failure, sepsis, etc. They typically don't want to know if your patient has had a gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, T&A, etc (unless that's what they are in the hospital for).

I describe the events which led up to the code... i.e., was a med just given, did they have respiratory compromise, went into VT, etc. Just a brief description of what happened before the code.

I also let them know of any pertinent labs, such as a high K+, ABG results (if available), low Hgb, etc.

Of course, you should also throw in any info that could be detrimental such as lack of IV access, patient has dentures that need removed, etc. Oh, and know your patient's code status!

[vincejojo]

Thanks.

[RescueNinja]

I usually give them their admitting diagnosis and any pertinent information such as acute renal failure, heart failure, sepsis, etc. They typically don't want to know if your patient has had a gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, T&A, etc (unless that's what they are in the hospital for).

I describe the events which led up to the code... i.e., was a med just given, did they have respiratory compromise, went into VT, etc. Just a brief description of what happened before the code.

I also let them know of any pertinent labs, such as a high K+, ABG results (if available), low Hgb, etc.

Of course, you should also throw in any info that could be detrimental such as lack of IV access, patient has dentures that need removed, etc. Oh, and know your patient's code status!

I can't stress how important this is! The first thing you need to do after finding out who your patients are is to find out their code status!!! Then when you go in to introduce yourself/do your initial assessment, make sure they have their code bracelet/sign whatever it is at your hospital in case you're away from the unit and they are found pulseless/not breathing by someone else. In my unit there are several nurses who like to put DNR next to the patient's name on the cardiac monitor so it's right there for you, I think this is a great idea...

[TangoLima]

In my unit there are several nurses who like to put DNR next to the patient's name on the cardiac monitor so it's right there for you, I think this is a great idea...

We did this on the central monitors when I was on the tele floor when the pt was either DNR or Limited code. I did not think about doing this now that Im in the ICU. I agree, this is a good idea.

[rotteluvr31, ADN, RN]

In my unit there are several nurses who like to put DNR next to the patient's name on the cardiac monitor so it's right there for you, I think this is a great idea...

our monitors are color coded to match the bracelets. Anyone in purple on the monitor means they are a DNR and should be wearing a purple DNR bracelet. Otherwise, they are green on the monitors.

[Spode]

the answer is the question. Brief and important information. Hypovolemia and hypoxia are often the prodromes to a code. Of course, the cause of the two can be many things.

So, as the nurse, you are likely to know why the patient may have coded before the doctor will. Give pertinent info such as current medical, surgical, medication history. Meds the patient has recently recieved. Recent procedures such as dialysis(low K+, Low preload?) surgeries(AW obstruction or bleeding?). Blood sugar(check it, most people forget the simple stuff), recent labs,

As long as you are administering O2 and ensuring delievery(ie ACLS), you are buying time to help the MD figure it out. Don't panic and tell the doc info that is not already obvious.

[RN Joe 86]

"Hello Doc. My patient does not a have a pulse. I need help in here." Yeah, that would probably suffice. :)