Licensed Practical Nurse how-to
How to Report a Change in Condition with SBAR
SBAR gives physicians the information they need quickly and clearly.
SBAR gives physicians the information they need quickly and clearly. In short: situation; background; assessment, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Situation: state who you are, the patient and the problem: “Mrs. Lee in room 12 has a new fever of 101.4°F.”
Background: give the diagnosis, relevant history and current treatment.
Assessment: share what you found: vital signs, lung sounds, mental status, intake.
Recommendation: say what you think is needed: “Would you like a urinalysis and chest X-ray?”
Read back any new orders to confirm accuracy.
Document the call, the orders received and the time.
Safety reminders for licensed practical nurses
- Follow the rights of medication administration on every pass
- Practice safe patient handling and use lift equipment
- Follow standard and transmission-based precautions
- Stay within your state’s LPN scope of practice and ask when unsure
Key terms
NCLEX-PN · Scope of practice · eMAR · Five rights · PRN medication · Sliding scale insulin: see the full licensed practical nurse glossary.