What happens when teams rapidly assess and intervene when patients have abnormal vital signs?

• A. Increases the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrests.
• B. There is no change in incidence.
• C. The number of in-hospital cardiac arrests decreases.
• D. It is unclear what effect occurs.

Answer: (C)

Rapid recognition of deterioration followed by quick, coordinated intervention changes the patient’s course from worsening toward arrest to stabilization. When a team rapidly assesses someone with abnormal vital signs, they identify and treat reversible problems—such as low oxygen, poor perfusion, fluid or electrolyte imbalances, sepsis, or a dangerous rhythm—and escalate care as needed. This early, decisive action prevents progression to in-hospital cardiac arrest, so the number of arrests decreases. While results can vary by setting, the overall trend shown with rapid response systems is a reduction in arrests outside the ICU.