Scenario
You’re a senior recovery nurse at a large urban hospital known for handling complex surgeries and critical cases. Mr. Jenkins, a 67-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, has just returned from a high-risk abdominal surgery involving partial bowel resection. As you prepare to receive him into the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), a flustered surgical nurse approaches and rapidly recites:
“Vitals are stable. He was okay when I left the OR. Meds are in the chart somewhere. Allergies... none that I can recall. He hasn’t eaten. A surgeon might come by after lunch.”
She leaves abruptly without allowing you to ask clarifying questions. As the receiving nurse, you notice inconsistencies and critical omissions. You are concerned this rushed and vague handoff may lead to preventable harm.
Instructions
- Identify at least four issues in this handoff related to individual behavior, team communication, and patient safety risks.
- Rewrite the handoff using the SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) format.
- Explain how structured communication like SBAR improves care and describe at least two interventions to prevent breakdowns.