Prioritization

Question 1

Stable vs unstable
always prioritize patients that are actively deteriorating from their baseline

Answer 1

examples
Two patients with HR 120:
~ patient A: is symptomatic
~ patient B: is asymptomatic (no chest pain, SOB, hypotension. etc)
patient B takes priority

Question 2

Actual vs potential
always prioritize patients with current problems over potential problems

Answer 2

examples:
Two patients with hypotension:
~ patient A: is getting dialysis & has potential to become hypotensive
~ patient A: is s/p surgery and is currently hypotension
patient B takes priority

Question 3

Acute vs chronic
always prioritize with acute problems

Answer 3

examples:
Two patients with BP 90/50
~ patient A: is on milrinone gtt and chronically hypotensive (due to medication)
~ patient B: has no history of hypotension and usual BP is around 120/80
patient B takes priority