In PMU, which action sequence is appropriate when a patient deteriorates acutely?

• A. Schedule a follow-up after stabilization.
• B. Follow emergency protocols, activate code status if applicable, initiate BLS, call for help, monitor and document.
• C. Notify the family first.
• D. Document observations but delay actions.

Answer: (B)

When a patient deteriorates acutely, the priority is to act rapidly with a standardized emergency response while providing life-sustaining care. Start by following the facility’s emergency protocols, then check the patient’s code status and proceed according to those directives. Initiate Basic Life Support to support airway, breathing, and circulation, and call for additional help as soon as possible. While this is happening, keep the patient under continuous observation and document all actions and vital changes.

This approach ensures timely, life-saving intervention and coordination with the team, rather than delaying care, notifying family first, or simply recording observations without acting. The code status step respects the patient’s wishes, while BLS buys critical time and stabilizes the situation until more experienced personnel can take over.