Question

A 40-year-old man presents with fever, productive cough and a NEWS2 score of 6. Despite initial treatment, his wife tells you she is very worried that he is deteriorating and that staff are not listening. According to current UK patient safety policy, what should staff do with this concern?

Accepted Answer

Encourage and support escalation using mechanisms such as Martha’s Rule to request an urgent independent review.

Answer

Reassure the wife but explain that escalation can only be initiated by doctors.

Answer

Advise the wife to complain after discharge if she remains unhappy.

Answer

Ignore the concern because the NEWS2 score already determines escalation pathways.

Answer

Ask the wife to leave the ward to reduce anxiety for other patients.

Practice question

A 40-year-old man presents with fever, productive cough and a NEWS2 score of 6. Despite initial treatment, his wife tells you she is very worried that he is deteriorating and that staff are not listening. According to current UK patient safety policy, what should staff do with this concern?