When there are STAT requests in the emergency room and you are asked to do a quick chest exam for a physician, what is the appropriate response?

When there are STAT requests in the emergency room and you are asked to do a quick chest exam for a physician, what is the appropriate response?

• A. Do the chest exam immediately
• B. Ignore the requests
• C. Explain there are STAT requests and complete those first, then page the physician
• D. Defer to your supervisor

Answer: (C)

In an ER, orders labeled STAT are time-sensitive and demand immediate attention because they can affect life-saving decisions. When you’re asked to do a quick chest exam but there are STAT requests pending, the responsible move is to acknowledge that there are STAT tasks and address them first—either start them or ensure they’re being acted upon—before proceeding with non-urgent requests. Once the STAT work is in motion or completed, page the physician to inform them that the chest exam is ready or to receive further instructions. This sequence prioritizes patient safety by not delaying critical, time-sensitive orders, while still ensuring the physician is aware and involved. Ignoring STATs or deferring to a supervisor would not meet the urgency demanded in the situation, and performing the chest exam without addressing the STAT requests could delay essential care.

In an ER, orders labeled STAT are time-sensitive and demand immediate attention because they can affect life-saving decisions. When you’re asked to do a quick chest exam but there are STAT requests pending, the responsible move is to acknowledge that there are STAT tasks and address them first—either start them or ensure they’re being acted upon—before proceeding with non-urgent requests. Once the STAT work is in motion or completed, page the physician to inform them that the chest exam is ready or to receive further instructions. This sequence prioritizes patient safety by not delaying critical, time-sensitive orders, while still ensuring the physician is aware and involved. Ignoring STATs or deferring to a supervisor would not meet the urgency demanded in the situation, and performing the chest exam without addressing the STAT requests could delay essential care.