How often should an unstable patient be assessed?

In the context of emergency medical care, unstable patients require frequent and close monitoring due to their critical condition. Assessing an unstable patient every 5 minutes allows healthcare providers to promptly detect any changes in the patient's status, which is crucial for timely intervention. This rapid assessment interval helps to identify deterioration in vital signs, conscious state, or other significant clinical indicators.

Frequent reassessments are particularly important because unstable patients can rapidly progress toward more severe conditions. By committing to a 5-minute interval, first responders ensure they can respond swiftly to any changes, providing better chances for positive outcomes.

In contrast, longer assessment intervals, such as every 10, 15, or 30 minutes, do not provide the level of vigilance required for an unstable patient. These longer intervals may lead to delays in recognizing critical changes, potentially compromising patient safety and care. Hence, the 5-minute reassessment period is best practice in emergency situations involving unstable patients.