SBAR Report

Situation:  (High) (Low) "Potassium level of ___ “ (in a patient on digoxin) 

Background:

• Reason the patient is in the nursing home (rehab for___, long term care for __).

• Reason the test was done

• When the problems started, how severe they are, getting worse or staying the same, what treatments have been used.

• Abnormal vital signs

• History of kidney disease or dialysis

• Recent illness, medication changes

• Presence of diarrhea, vomiting, poor oral intake

• General observation of patient condition

• Diuretic use & recent dose changes

• On medication that increases potassium level: Potassium Chloride, ACE inhibitor, spironolactone, trimethoprim/Bactrim, NSAID

• On medication that decreases potassium level: Diuretics such as furosemide/Lasix, torsemide, hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone, bumetanide, chlorthalidone; fludrocortisone; albuterol

• Very low urinary output (<30cc/hr)

• Diet restrictions, fluid restriction, thickened liquids

• Blood glucose, if elevated

• Abnormal findings on cardiovascular, abdomen, or neurologic observations.

Assessment: I am concerned about: __________

Recommendations/Requests:

• Labs: BMP/Chem8, magnesium

• When to repeat the potassium level

• Additional oral potassium if level is low

• Kayexalate/Polystyrene sulfonate if level is high

• Low potassium diet if level is high

• Medication changes to prevent recurrence

• Change fluid restriction orders

• Other:

Clarify expectations for care, interventions, and illness course/prognosis. Repeat any telephone orders back to the provider to ensure that they are correct and complete