SBAR for Endocrine Changes

Endocrine deterioration often begins with findings that seem nonspecific: nausea, fatigue, thirst, confusion, palpitations, vomiting, or a change in blood glucose. The danger is that hormone-related illness can move quickly from compensation to shock, seizure, dysrhythmia, or reduced consciousness. SBAR gives the receiver the information needed to recognize that pattern without searching through a long story. - Situation: What is happening now, and how urgent is it? - Background: What history, medications, or trigger explains the risk? - Assessment: What objective findings support concern? - Recommendation: What specific action or time frame is needed? A descriptive call is not enough. “The patient is not doing well” leaves the receiver to discover the urgency. “This patient has new confusion, a glucose of 52 mg/dL, cannot safely swallow, and needs bedside evaluation now” communicates a threat and a required response. SBAR is an escalation tool. A handoff is different: it transfers patient information along with authority and responsibility for care. During either process, the receiver must have the opportunity to ask questions and confirm the plan. A report is not complete until...