Page 15 - GBGH Patient Handbook

KEEPING YOU SAFE DURING YOUR STAY

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DETERIORATING HEALTH:
Family members may be the first to notice changes

Notify the healthcare team immediately if you notice any of the
following warning signs of declining health:

1. BODY TEMPERATURE is too high (above 38.0° C) or too low (below
36.0° C).

2. HEART RATE (pulse) or RESPIRATORY RATE (breathing) changes.
A. A heart rate that stays less than 60 or greater than 100 beats per
minute
B. A respiratory rate of less than 15 or greater than 20 breaths per
minute, may need to be evaluated.

3. BLOOD PRESSURE numbers are out of the normal range. (Systolic
blood pressure—top number in the blood pressure reading—is less
than 90 or greater than 180).

4. CHANGES IN MENTAL STATE including confusion, delirium, or a sudden
change in personality, memory or alertness.

5. CHANGES IN URINE OUTPUT OR APPEARANCE. A decrease in amount
of urine (less than 50 ml over 4 hours) or urine appears darker in
colour or looks “concentrated.”

6. PATIENT STATES SOMETHING IS WRONG. Individuals often have a sense
that they are experiencing a sudden decline in their health.

7. THE PATIENT DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT. Family members and advocates
who know the patient personally are often better judges of changes
in normal appearance or behaviour.

8. SHORTNESS OF BREATH or having a tight feeling or discomfort in the
chest.

9. ACUTE PAIN, especially in the abdomen.

10. VERY PALE appearance of the skin or
breaking out in cold sweats.

Exceptional Care, Every Person, Every Time 15