Note: This guideline is currently under review. Show
Aim Definition of Terms Continuous Monitoring Companion Documents Evidence Table References IntroductionRegular measurement and documentation of physiological observations (i.e. clinical observations) are essential requirements for patient assessment and the recognition of clinical deterioration. The Victorian Children’s Tool for Observation and Response (ViCTOR) charts are age-specific ‘track and trigger’ paediatric observation charts for use in Victorian hospitals, and are designed to assist in recognising and responding to clinical deterioration in children. These charts have been integrated into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and the observations are viewed on the ViCTOR graphs. These ViCTOR graphs, also known as ‘track and trigger’ charts mandate a response by the clinician once the patient’s observations reach a designated ‘zone’. Concerning changes in any one observation, or vital sign, are indicated by two coloured zones (Orange and Red). If a child’s observation transgresses the Orange or Red zone an escalation of care response is triggered. The type and urgency of the escalation response depends on the degree of clinical abnormality. The ViCTOR graphs are standardised for the following 5 age groups: less than 3 months, 3 to 12 months, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 11 years and 12 to 18 years. At RCH the 12-18 years graph is used for young people older than 18 years. AimTo provide guidance to clinical staff regarding the:
Definition of terms (abbreviations and acronyms)
Guideline detailsClinical ObservationsClinical observations may include;
Clinical observations are recorded by the nurse as part of an admission assessment (Nursing Assessment), at the commencement of each shift and at a frequency determined by the child’s clinical status and/or current treatment. For example, required observations during routine post anaesthetic observations can be found here
https://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Routine_post_anaesthetic_observation/. The frequency of observations and type of observations is ordered within EMR and should be should be documented in flowsheets
(Note, some children will require continuous monitoring as described later in this guideline). A set of observations must be recorded within the hour before transfer from one area to another, for example from ED to ward, PICU to ward or PACU to ward. If a child's observations are transgressing the Orange or Red zone, this must be addressed prior to transfer. Each set of observations should be documented in flowsheets and then trends should be viewed on the VICTOR graph, to better enable analysis and interpretation of the data. Link: flowsheet learning resources. For observations entered via Rover the trending of observations on the ViCTOR graph should be viewed as soon as practicable. In the event of a “down time” of EMR all treating areas at RCH have a supply of the paper ViCTOR charts for all age groups. This information will later be uploaded to the EMR. On the
paper charts the Red Zone is colored purple. Coloured zonesAge-specific ViCTOR parameters are automatically set by the child's age in the EMR and when breached a notification for escalated care is triggered. There are 3 distinct coloured ‘zones’ within the ViCTOR graph. The White zone is considered the ‘acceptable zone’. That is, most patients trending in this area are considered to have acceptable age-related vital signs ( Normal Ranges for Physiological Variables.) Nevertheless, it is important to be vigilant – for example, a heart rate that is steadily rising in this White zone should trigger attention before crossing into the Orange zone. The Orange zone is the first zone to signal that the patient may be deteriorating. It triggers the clinician to escalate care to the AUM (at a minimum) to decide if a medical review or other emergency response is required. The Red zone is the second and more concerning trigger and signals that the patient may be deteriorating or is seriously ill. If the patient is in the Red zone, an emergency call must be initiated, that is, a Rapid Review or MET call. If the child’s observations transgress into the Orange or Red zone, then further details must be documented, including the Escalation of Care plan and response. Appropriate escalation of care must occur as per the Deteriorating Patient: Escalation of Care flow chart and the Medical Emergency Response Procedure. Modification of the Orange or Red zoneModification of the Emergency response criteria may be ordered by medical staff, in accordance with the Medical Emergency Response Procedure O2 Saturation and oxygen deliveryHaemoglobin-oxygen saturations (SpO2) are entered
numerically in the flowsheet. The device used to deliver oxygen should be noted as follows:
Standing medical orders for nurse initiated oxygen therapy for PICU patients are linked . Heart rateThe heart rate is checked by palpation of the pulse or auscultation of the heart at least once per shift and whenever there is concern about the child’s physiological condition, a change in heart rhythm or when there is doubt about the accuracy of the monitoring technology. The pulse volume and regularity of heart rate should also be assessed at this time. Respiratory rateThe respiratory rate is checked at least once per shift established by counting the patient’s breaths over 60 seconds.. Further respiratory assessment including the pattern and effort of breathing should also be evaluated at this time. Respiratory distress should be recorded as Nil, Mild, Moderate or Severe based on the
assessment.
Blood PressureBlood pressure (BP) must be recorded as systolic, diastolic and mean BP. Only systolic BP triggers an escalation of care response. A measurement in the Orange zone reflects hypertension (upper zone) and in the Red zone, hypotension (lower zone). BP should be assessed at least once on admission, and thereafter at a frequency appropriate for the child’s clinical state. If a child's pulse/heart rate falls in the Orange or Red zone, BP must be measured and documented. The limb used to measure BP should be documented as should the type of measurement (eg manual, automated). TemperatureFor infants less than 3 months, the temperature section contains an Orange zone to escalate care for the infant with a low (≤ 36°C) or high temperature (≥38.5°C). For neonates, the temperature should be > 36.5°C ( Temperature Management guideline) For other age groups, an order can be placed when, and if an alteration in temperature should be reported to medical staff (e.g. febrile neutropenic patient, temperature rise
>1°C
and ≥38°C during blood product transfusion). Level of ConsciousnessLevel of Consciousness assessment should be made by using the AVPU scale: A = child is Alert (opens eyes spontaneously when approached). The AVPU score may be difficult to determine for infants. Some infants may respond to the voice of a parent, but not a clinician. Children should be woken before scoring AVPU. Conversely, in an otherwise clinically stable patient, it may not be appropriate to wake a sleeping child to assess the level of consciousness, with every set of observations (e.g an infant with bronchiolitis who is on hourly observations for ongoing evaluation of respiratory distress and has just settled to sleep). A more comprehensive neurological assessment must be performed for any patient who has, or has the potential, to have an altered neurological state. Neurological observations should ordered for children with:
Level of SedationLevel of Sedation should be assessed ONLY for patients receiving sedation (e.g. chloral hydrate, midazolam, nitrous oxide, and opiates at higher doses) and the Level of Sedation score is to be used instead of the AVPU score. The University of Michigan Sedation Score (UMSS) is used;
Guidelines for procedural sedation. Pain scoresPain scores should be calculated by using a Pain Assessment tool appropriate for the age, developmental level and clinical state of the child. Nursing Clinical Guideline Pain Assessment and Measurement. Suggested pain scales include
Additional ObservationsFurther patient specific observations may be required and ordered.
Adding a commentComments that help interpret the observations and trends (e.g decreased heart rate observed with administration of procedural sedation, or mother concerned about increased drowsiness of her child, or commencement or completion of blood product transfusion) can be made within flowsheets or as a real time progress notes. Continuous monitoringContinuous monitoring includes either cardio-respiratory monitoring or pulse oximetry monitoring. Continuous monitoring supplements manually performed intermittent clinical observations. If used appropriately it can assist clinicians to identify rapid changes in condition. Some monitors enable the review of trends in physiological parameters over time. Cardio-respiratory monitoringContinuous cardio-respiratory monitoring is the technological measurement of heart rate/pulse rate,
respiratory rate and SpO2. Children who are clinically unstable or are at risk of sudden changes in condition should have cardio-respiratory monitoring. Some indications include:
Correct electrode placement when
utilitsing ECG monitoring is vital. 3 lead ECG monitoring is most common however 5 lead ECG monitoring can also be used with the bedside monitors.
The above image shows the correct lead placement for a 5 lead ECG. When only using 3 leads, place the 3 coloured leads in the appropriate spots as outlined above. Commonly white (RA) , black (LA) and green (RL) are used for 3 lead ECG monitoring. Skin preparation and regular changing of electrodes (usually daily) is vital to ensure accurate readings. For further information Cardiac Telemetry Guideline. Pulse oximetry monitoringContinuous pulse oximetry monitoring measures oxygenation (SpO2) and pulse rate. Indications for its use include the child who:
It is important to neither rely on nor ignore monitors. Whenever continuous monitoring of heart rate, SpO2 or respiratory rate is in use, clinical observations must be documented hourly, at a minimum. The heart rate should be cross checked by palpation of the pulse or auscultation of the heart at least once per shift and whenever there is concern about the child’s physiological condition, a change in heart rhythm or when there is doubt about the accuracy of the monitoring technology. Alarm settingsAlarm limits should be set at the appropriate age related profile selected on the monitor, where the default settings reflect the ViCTOR escalation of care parameters. Subsequent adjustment of the alarms may be required as the patient’s clinical status changes. That is, it may be necessary to set the alarm limits within a narrower range for some patients. Widening of the alarms limits must only be done in accordance with the procedure outlining the modification of emergency response criteria (Orange zone). The patient profile and alarm settings should be checked at the beginning of each shift and as otherwise indicated. The key principle is to provide safe alarm settings for the child and minimise the number of false alarms. A high frequency of false alarms has the potential to desensitize staff and decrease their responsiveness, thereby compromising patient safety. By turning the monitor into stand-by mode when not being used, all settings will be saved and available for the next set of observations. If the monitor is turned off by the power button displayed on the front of the monitor, all settings will be lost and need to be re-programed. When commencing cardio-respiratory monitoring, make sure that the patient’s name is correctly entered into the monitor. When new patients are added to the monitor it is important that the correct Profile (age group) is selected otherwise alarm settings will default to the 1-4 year age group. All alarms must be “enabled” (activated) and audible. When an alarm sounds clinicians should respond immediately, assess the child, determine and apply the appropriate intervention and rectify problems with monitoring devices if
necessary. Parents are not permitted to disable or alter alarm settings. Discontinuation of continuous monitoringAs the condition of the child stabilises and the risk of sudden deterioration lessens, the decision to continuously monitor the child should be reviewed by the nursing and medical staff (usually at least once per shift). When no longer necessary the patient can be transitioned to 1-4 hourly observations. The need for close observation and monitoring
should be balanced against unnecessary dependency on the monitors. Companion documents
Evidence Table Click here to view the evidence table.
References
Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Sarah Sly, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Koala and Sharon Kinney, Nurse Consultant, Nursing Research, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated April 2019. |