Question about codes

[Starfish, RN]

I have yet to experience a code situation and am about to start on a med-surg floor. I understand what happens once the code button is pushed, but what happens prior? Do you run out to the doorway and yell for help? Or do you go straight for the button?

What about a respiratory distress situation/any situation where rapid response may need called? How do you get help to the bedside without 'patient abandonment'?

[NurseyPoo7]

Anytime I patient is in that much distress and is unstable, you always stay with the patient. My facility doesn't have a "Code" button (We have an "Emergency" button), but the nurses carry portable phones (in addition to being able to use the phone in the patient's room) to call the Charge for help or call a code. If you are without a phone, I yell.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

It will depend on how your unit is set-up. When I worked in a med-surg floor years ago, we already had Spectralink phones we carried around. If I walk in on a patient in respiratory distress, I would do a quick assessment of the situation and intervene (i.e., provide oxygen, sit the patient up) while calling the charge nurse on my Spectralink. I would yell out for help if I hear a staff member in the hallway. If I walk in on an unresponsive patient and on quick assessment I didn't feel a pulse, I would press the code button and call out for help without leaving the bedside. Rapid Response Teams are supposed to help prevent code situations from occurring. Your unit (or hospital) will have V/S parameters or criteria for calling the RRT. Anytime your gut feeling tells you that the patient is not doing well, tell the charge nurse or call RRT. You shouldn't be faulted for that.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

first of all, get acquaintance with your facility code manual, and familiarize yourself with your unit code response. i have no doubt, that in no time you will be handling any situation that may arise according to your unit specifications....aloha~

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

I usually yell for help as I press the button and start CPR.luckily, we don't have many codes on my unit, but a yell for help will bring anyone in earshot pretty quickly!

[Bec7074]

I used to worry about these situations when I was a new grad, but when they happen, it's almost natural how to react. The important thing is that you get the patient the help they need. Every situation is different and you won't be able to prepare for every situation. It's almost hard to tell you what to do because of the variation. Just trust your gut, don't panic, and call for back-up if you are questioning what to do (whether it be charge or RRT). Once you get a few emergencies under your belt, you will feel better. The first code I saw wasn't mine, but a nurse who is way older. Seeing her in action really helped. I still remember the details: pt in with foot ulcers, was hooked up to a continuous pulse ox. It started alarming. She went in and pulled the button because she found him not breathing and couldn't feel a pulse. Then the team showed up and took over. Moral of the story: I think you will just know how to handle it.