Using the SBAR technique, which information should the practical nurse (PN) provide first when notifying a healthcare provider?

In the SBAR communication technique, the first component is "Situation," which requires the healthcare provider to understand the current state of the patient succinctly and clearly. By providing specific data points like blood pressure, the practical nurse conveys an urgent aspect of the patient's condition.

In this case, presenting the blood pressure reading of 80/48 mmHg directly reflects a critical situation, indicating potential hypotension, which requires immediate attention. This information sets the stage for the subsequent parts of SBAR, as the provider can quickly understand the urgency of the situation based on this vital sign.

While the patient's symptoms and vital signs are crucial for understanding the overall situation, stating one specific and alarming abnormality like low blood pressure first effectively communicates the urgency and allows the healthcare provider to prioritize further inquiry or intervention. Similarly, a history of the client's medical condition and previous treatments can provide useful context but will follow after establishing the current critical situation in the patient's status.