SBAR Communication
Scenario:
Mrs. Ghuman is a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with heart failure 4 years ago. She has been admitted to the hospital
for shortness of breath (SOB). She states “I was taking a diuretic at home but ran out 2 days ago. 1 have not been able to refill
my prescription”. She complains of difficulty breathing and has noticed some swelling in her feet that seemed worse than usual.
On physical examination, you observe that she is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. For respiratory assessment,
she has SOB on exertion; oxygen saturation is 89% on room air. On auscultation, you hear fine crackles bilateral in the lower
lobes. When assessing her lower extremities, you fine 2+ edema bilaterally. Vital signs are: T- 37.0, BP – 130/85, P – 120, R35/min.
Next Step: SBAR
You find that you want further guidance in what should be done next with your patient. You decide to call the provider and
consult with them on the situation. What do you tell them?
Dr. Smith, this is Arnisha Evans calling from the ED. I need to speak to you about Mrs. Ghuman in
Room 304. She is a 56-year-old woman with heart failure who is complaining of shortness of breath
and swelling in her feet that seems worse than usual.
S
B
A
Patient is alert, oriented to person, place, and time. Diagnosed with heart failure 4 years ago. She has
a prescription for a diuretic but stated she ran out 2 days ago and was unable to refill. She has fine
crackles bilateral in the lower lobes and edema 2+ on lower extremities bilaterally. Her oxygen
saturation is 89% on room air. Vital Signs are as follows BP 130/85, Temperature 37.0, Pulse 120,
Respiration Rate 35/min.
Due to the fine crackles in lobes, shortness of breath and edema in lower extremities, I think she has
an acute case of pulmonary edema.
Based on this assessment, I recommend a prescription for her diuretic medication and oxygen. Are
you coming to evaluate the patient? How would you like to be reached with new results?
R
You can reach me by phone at 404-020-0000.
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