Deteriorating Patient: A Necessary Definition for Cardiac Arrest Prevention

<i>Backgraund:</i> Clinical deterioration not promptly recognized can result in increased patient morbidity and mortality. Early warning of cardiac arrest is a criterion commonly used in nursing staff's daily practice to identify patient deterioration. However, it is not always clear what a deteriorating patient means. <i>Objetives:</i> Provide an evidence-based approach to creating the definition of deteriorating patient Contextualize the definition of a deteriorating patient. <i>Methods:</i> A documentary review study was conducted through a bibliographic search of the databases to address the term deteriorating patient. Information about deteriorating patients was collected. <i>Conclusion:</i> As a result, valuable data were obtained to conceptualize the term deteriorated patient in nursing practice.