Abnormal findings are charted as a chain — finding, severity, comparison to baseline, the risk it creates, and the skilled action taken.
Active significant bleeding — melena, hematemesis, a large hematoma, or uncontrolled bleeding — especially on an anticoagulant, an emergency.
Severe-anemia symptoms — chest pain, syncope, or marked dyspnea — an emergency.
A single fever at or above 100.4°F (38°C) in an immunosuppressed or neutropenic patient — a neutropenic-fever emergency (route to Allergic/Immunologic).
New spontaneous bruising or petechiae — concerning for thrombocytopenia.
New unilateral limb swelling with calf tenderness, or pleuritic chest pain with dyspnea — concerning for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (route to Peripheral Vascular).
A transfusion reaction — fever, chills, dyspnea, back pain, or rash during or after home transfusion.
New or worsening pallor with fatigue and tachycardia — concerning for developing anemia, possibly from occult bleeding.
Laboratory trends indicating a falling hemoglobin, platelets, or white count — requiring provider collaboration.
