Early Warning Score Chart (EWS)

Description

Chatterjee et al used an early warning score (EWS) in conjunction with a redesigned clinical chart to monitor hospital inpatients. This can help to detect a patient who may be deteriorating much earlier. The authors are from Central Middlesex Hospital in London.

Patient selection: hospital inpatient

Parameters:

(1) heart rate in beats per minute

(2) systolic blood pressure in mm Hg

(3) respiratory rate in breaths per minute

(4) oxygen saturation in percent

(5) consciousness level

(6) temperature

Parameter	Finding	Points
heart rate	<= 40 beats per minute	3
	41 to 49 beats per minute	2
	50 to 100 beats per minute	0
	101 to 110 beats per minute	1
	111 to 129 beats per minute	2
	>= 130	3
systolic blood pressure	<= 70 mm Hg	3
	71 to 80 mm Hg	2
	81 to 99 mm Hg	1
	100 to 160 mm Hg	0
	160 to 199	1
	>= 200 mm Hg	2
respiratory rate	< 10	3
	10 to 20	0
	21 to 25	1
	25 to 30	2
	> 30	3
oxygen saturation	< 85 percent	3
	85 to 89 percent	2
	90 to 94 percent	1
	>= 95 percent	0
CNS status	alert	0
	responds to voice	1
	responds to pain	2
	confused or agitated	2
	unresponsive to all stimuli	3
temperature	<= 37°C	0
	> 37°C	1

where:

• The point for temperature is reported under the primary table. No points are given for hypothermia.

EWS score =

= SUM(points for all 6 parameters)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 16

• The higher the score the more serious the patient's condition.

• If the total score is 1 to 4 then the nurse should more closely monitor the patient.

• If the total score is >= 5 OR if any single parameter is scored with 3 points then more aggressive management is warranted (call for help, call for advice, etc)

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Description

Objective

ICD-10

Purpose: To identify a hospital inpatient who should be evaluated based on the Early Warning Score of Chatterjee et al.

Description

Objective

ICD-10