A change of condition is any new, worsening, or significant change in physical, mental, behavioral, functional, respiratory, cardiac, neurologic, skin, pain, intake, output, or infection status. Nurses must recognize early changes and communicate clearly.
Use SBAR:
S – Situation: What changed now?
B – Background: Diagnosis, baseline, recent events, medications, code status.
A – Assessment: Vitals, pain, mental status, oxygen saturation, blood sugar, wound, fall, symptoms.
R – Recommendation/Request: Orders needed, transfer consideration, monitoring, labs, medication change, family notification.
CMS Appendix PP includes notification-of-change review when significant changes may require treatment changes, physician contact, or discontinuation/adjustment of medication.
Documentation Must Include
- Date/time change identified.
- Assessment findings.
- SBAR communication.
- Provider notification and response.
- Family/responsible party notification.
- New orders and follow-up.
- Resident response and continued monitoring.