When calling a provider about a patient, the nurse uses the SBAR format to ensure correct patient identification and clear, concise communication. SBAR stands for “Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.”

The most appropriate call is as follows:

“Hi, this is Jane Smith, a nurse on the fifth floor. The patient, James Doh, in bed 14 (situation) is complaining of lightheadedness several hours following his abdominal surgery (background). His blood pressure is 100/68 mm Hg, and his heart rate is 115 bpm. His capillary refill is greater than 3 seconds (assessment). Could you please come assess him (recommendation/request)?”

This next call does not include enough information. The provider does not know where the patient is.

“Hi, I need you to come assess the patient in room 14. I’m concerned his blood pressure is too low at 100/68 mm Hg, and he is complaining of lightheadedness.”

The following call statement also does not include enough information about the patient:

“Hi, I’m calling from the fifth floor. The patient in room 14 is feeling faint. I need you to come examine him as soon as possible because I’m concerned about his hypotension and tachycardia.”

This last call statement has the most detailed information but is less concise and also does not include a recommendation or request:

“Hello, my name is Hallie and I’m a nurse on the fifth floor. The patient in bed 14 doesn’t appear well. He is tachycardic at 114 bpm, hypotensive with a blood pressure of 100/68 mm Hg, and his capillary refill time is 5 seconds. His urine output for the past 4 hours has been 400 mL. I’m concerned he is bleeding internally following his abdominal surgery.”