Deteriorating patient: assessment, identification and management 

This course explores how to identify the deteriorating patient through the assessment of vital signs and the systematic recording of observations using early warning charts. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to recognise signs of deterioration, respond appropriately, and understand the key principles of patient monitoring and escalation of care.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Identify the key signs of deterioration 
  • Understand why changes in observations can indicate compensation and therefore deterioration 
  • Describe how age and comorbidity can influence a patient’s ability to compensate 
  • Explain how to use ABCDE assessment and the importance of continually re-assessing and monitoring 
  • Understand when and how to escalate concerns of deterioration 
  • Outline possible management options and simple interventions for deteriorating patients 
The discussion areas within each course provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Karen Nagalingam, senior nurse lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire and acute kidney injury nurse specialist at Lister Hospital.

This learning unit is free to access for all users, thanks to an unrestricted educational grant from Hillrom.

For more information on how Connected Vital Signs from Hillrom can support your workflow in identifying patient deterioration please click here

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

Ⓒemap. All rights reserved.

Last updated 2020
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.