Rapid Response Team (RRT)

Definition

A Rapid Response Team (RRT) is a specialized group of clinicians (typically a critical-care nurse, respiratory therapist, and sometimes an intensivist or hospitalist) that can be called to the bedside when a patient shows early signs of deterioration but has not yet arrested.

When to Call

• Acute change in heart rate (<40 or >130 bpm)
• Acute change in respiratory rate (<8 or >28/min)
• Acute change in systolic BP (<90)
• Acute change in SpO2 (<90% despite oxygen)
• Acute change in level of consciousness
• Acute change in urine output (less than 50 mL in 4 hours)
• Chest pain
• Staff concern (the 'worried nurse' criterion)

Purpose

Prevent cardiac arrest, ICU transfer, and death by intervening earlier. Studies show RRTs reduce in-hospital cardiac arrests and overall mortality.

Nursing Role

• Recognize early signs of deterioration
• Call RRT without hesitation; err on the side of calling
• Provide SBAR handoff on arrival
• Support the patient during stabilization
• Assist with orders (labs, imaging, interventions)

NCLEX Relevance

Recognizing deterioration cues is a top NCLEX and CJMM topic. When in doubt, call the RRT; the nurse's intuition is a valid trigger.