American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Observational Study
Systems-Based Physical Assessments: Earlier Detection of Clinical Deterioration and Reduced Mortality.
Despite efforts to improve early detection of deterioration in a patient's condition, delays in activating the rapid response team remain common. ⋯ When nurses focus on conducting a systems-based physical assessment early in their shift, delays in recognizing a patient's deteriorating condition are reduced, fewer patients are admitted to the intensive care unit, and mortality is significantly reduced.