CELBAN CELBAN Nurse Handover and Shift Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a shift handover, a nurse says 'Mr. Chen is a 68-year-old male admitted two days ago with community-acquired pneumonia.' What part of the SBAR format does this represent?
- Situation
- Background (Correct answer)
- Assessment
- Recommendation
Correct answer: Background
Background in the SBAR framework includes relevant patient history and context, such as age, admission date, and diagnosis.
Question 2: Which sentence is most appropriate when handing over a patient with a new concern at the end of a shift?
- He seemed a bit off, I didn't check.
- His BP dropped to 90/60 at 14:00; I notified Dr. Patel and the order for IV fluids is in the chart. (Correct answer)
- Someone should probably look at him.
- I think he's okay but maybe watch him.
Correct answer: His BP dropped to 90/60 at 14:00; I notified Dr. Patel and the order for IV fluids is in the chart.
Effective handover communication includes specific vital sign values, the time of the change, actions taken, and follow-up orders documented.
Question 3: A nurse receiving a handover asks, 'Has the patient's family been updated about the change in condition?' This question demonstrates which communication skill?
- Interrupting the handover unnecessarily
- Seeking clarification and ensuring continuity of care (Correct answer)
- Challenging the outgoing nurse's competence
- Documenting the handover summary
Correct answer: Seeking clarification and ensuring continuity of care
Asking targeted follow-up questions during handover ensures no gaps in care, demonstrating active listening and professional accountability.
Question 4: In the SBAR handover tool, what does the 'R' stand for?
- Review
- Record
- Recommendation (Correct answer)
- Report
Correct answer: Recommendation
The 'R' in SBAR stands for Recommendation, where the nurse outlines what action or follow-up is needed for the incoming team.
Question 5: Which statement most clearly conveys urgency during a handover about a deteriorating patient?
- Room 4 hasn't been feeling great today.
- The patient in Room 4 has had three episodes of hypotension; I'm concerned about sepsis and have flagged it for the rapid response team. (Correct answer)
- Room 4 might need attention at some point.
- I left notes about Room 4 somewhere on the board.
Correct answer: The patient in Room 4 has had three episodes of hypotension; I'm concerned about sepsis and have flagged it for the rapid response team.
Clear handover communication specifies frequency of events, a clinical concern, and actions already taken, leaving no ambiguity for the incoming nurse.
Question 6: A nurse says during handover: 'Mrs. Okafor is due for her 2200 insulin, and her blood glucose at 1800 was 14.2 mmol/L.' Which part of SBAR does this belong to?
- Situation — current issue requiring attention (Correct answer)
- Background — past medical history
- Assessment — nurse's clinical judgment
- Recommendation — suggested next steps
Correct answer: Situation — current issue requiring attention
Situation describes the current, immediate clinical status or concern, and upcoming medication with recent lab values constitutes a current situation requiring action.
CELBAN CELBAN Nurse Handover and Shift Communication 1
During a shift handover, a nurse says 'Mr.
Chen is a 68-year-old male admitted two days ago with community-acquired pneumonia.' What part of the SBAR format does this represent?