Editing LPN Delegation and Reporting (section)

== SBAR Communication ==

SBAR gives a predictable structure that reduces omissions during handoffs and urgent calls.

* '''S: Situation.''' Identify yourself, the patient, the room, and the immediate problem in one or two sentences.
* '''B: Background.''' Give the relevant clinical context: admitting diagnosis, pertinent history, current treatments and medications, allergies, and recent events.
* '''A: Assessment.''' As an LPN, present the data collected and your concern. Vital signs, observations, changes from baseline, and what you think may be happening, framed as an observation rather than a diagnosis.
* '''R: Recommendation.''' State what you need and by when. Ask the RN to come assess the patient, request an order, or ask for direction. Then read back and confirm what was agreed.

Example:

"'''Situation''': This is Maria Lopez, LPN, on 4 West. Mr. Chen in room 412 has become short of breath in the last twenty minutes. '''Background''': He is a 74 year old admitted two days ago for a right hip fracture repair, he has a history of heart failure, and he received his scheduled furosemide this morning. '''Assessment''': His respiratory rate is 28, oxygen saturation is 88 percent on room air, down from 96 percent this morning, heart rate is 112, blood pressure is 148 over 88, and he is using accessory muscles and cannot speak in full sentences. '''Recommendation''': I need you to come assess him now. I have raised the head of the bed and I am staying with him. Should I apply oxygen per the standing protocol?"

Two related structures are worth knowing. '''I-SBAR-R''' adds introduction at the front and read back at the end. Handoff at end of shift or on transfer should include identification, the current situation, the plan of care, pending tasks and results, and an opportunity for the receiving nurse to ask questions.