Which physiology sign indicates a met call is necessary?

Which physiology sign indicates a met call is necessary?

• A. Respiratory rate above 36
• B. Stable heart rate
• C. Glasgow Coma Scale drop of 1
• D. Blood pressure above 90

Answer: (A)

A respiratory rate above 36 indicates severe respiratory distress or hyperventilation, which can signify a critical situation where a patient is in need of immediate medical intervention. This elevated respiratory rate is often associated with a range of pathological conditions, including but not limited to respiratory failure, severe sepsis, or other life-threatening scenarios. Such a significant deviation from the normal respiratory rate (12-20 breaths per minute for adults) suggests that the patient's condition could potentially deteriorate rapidly, warranting a medical emergency team call (often referred to as a "met call") for advanced assessment and intervention. In contrast, a stable heart rate can indicate that the patient's cardiovascular system is responding appropriately, and a drop of 1 in the Glasgow Coma Scale, while important, may not necessarily meet the threshold for immediate concern depending on the context. Lastly, a blood pressure above 90 may actually indicate stability, particularly in certain clinical contexts. Therefore, the elevated respiratory rate stands out as a critical sign that necessitates urgent intervention.

A respiratory rate above 36 indicates severe respiratory distress or hyperventilation, which can signify a critical situation where a patient is in need of immediate medical intervention. This elevated respiratory rate is often associated with a range of pathological conditions, including but not limited to respiratory failure, severe sepsis, or other life-threatening scenarios. Such a significant deviation from the normal respiratory rate (12-20 breaths per minute for adults) suggests that the patient's condition could potentially deteriorate rapidly, warranting a medical emergency team call (often referred to as a "met call") for advanced assessment and intervention.

In contrast, a stable heart rate can indicate that the patient's cardiovascular system is responding appropriately, and a drop of 1 in the Glasgow Coma Scale, while important, may not necessarily meet the threshold for immediate concern depending on the context. Lastly, a blood pressure above 90 may actually indicate stability, particularly in certain clinical contexts. Therefore, the elevated respiratory rate stands out as a critical sign that necessitates urgent intervention.