What minimum communication should occur between the nurse and the practitioner after the onset of an ACOC or if the patients condition is not stable or improving as anticipated?
At least one meaningful communication (by phone or fax) should occur between the nurse and the practitioner within 24 hours of the onset of an ACOC or of identification of the fact that the patient’s condition is not stable or improving as anticipated. • How do staff roles play into identifying ACOCs? Each long-term care facility should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of different categories of staff in observing, assessing, documenting, and reporting information about a patient’s condition change. Staff and practitioners should use specific criteria to clarify whether a symptom, abnormality, or condition change is problematic or is a normal or acceptable variation (e.g., vital signs that are outside a range that is acceptable for this patient, a change in behavior, altered breathing patterns). The accurate description of symptoms and condition changes can enable the identification of the likely causes of an ACOC. Clues that will assist in differentiating specific causes
Related Questions
- When the collaborating physician sees a patient after the nurse practitioner and then bills, does the MD/DOs note suffice to say: seen and examined as above, agree with treatment plan as outlined?
- What if the patients POLST Paradigm form does not have the signature of his/her doctor (nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)?
- Does the Nurse Practitioner need an order from the Attending Physician to see a patient ?
