What are the criteria for a code blue and explain each?

These are the criteria to call for code blue:

-Nurses worried about clinical state, in this way nurses determine if the patient needs referral due to
their intuition or so-called gut feeling. It is a process based on knowledge and care experience and has a
place beside research-based evidence. Nurses integrate both analysis and synthesis of intuition
alongside objective data when making decisions. They should rely on their intuition and use this
knowledge in clinical practice as a support in decision-making, which increases the quality and safety of
patient care.
-Airway obstruction
Having airway obstruction can led the person to death because it prevents oxygen from entering the
lungs and brain. Lack of oxygen to the brain for more than four minutes may result in brain damage or
death.

-Hypoxemia: SpO2 <90% in any amount of O2

SpO2 <60% in any amount of O2 (cyanotic heart disease)
When blood oxygen levels are lower than usual, this condition develops. Your body may not function
correctly if your blood oxygen levels are too low. To keep your cells healthy, blood transports oxygen
throughout your body. Hypoxemia may result in minor symptoms like headaches and shortness of
breath.

-severe respiratory distress, apnea or cyanosis

When fluid fills the air sacs in your lungs, it's called pulmonary edema. Too much fluid in your lungs may
create a life-threatening condition by lowering the quantity of oxygen in your circulation or increasing
the amount of carbon dioxide in your system.

-Tachypnea
Tachypnea, if not properly managed, would lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms by causing
a reflex increase in heart rate.
Age Respiratory rate
Term-3 mos >60
4-12 mos >50
1-4 mos >40
5-12 yrs >30
12 yrs + >30

-Bradycardia or tachycardia
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and fainting are all symptoms of severe bradycardia. If severe
bradycardia is not treated, it may lead to cardiac arrest, which means the heart stops beating and can
result in death.
Age Heart rate too slow Heart rate too fast
Term-3 mos <100 >180
4-12 mos <100 >180
1-4 mos <90 >160
5-12 yrs <80 >140
12 yrs + <60 >130
-Hypotension:
Hypotension may result in injuries as a result of fainting or falling. If hypotension is not addressed, the
brain, heart, and other organs will be deprived of blood and will be unable to function correctly. Shock,
which may be deadly, can result from severe hypotension.
Age BP (systolic)
Term-3 months <50
4-12 mos <60
1-4 mos <70
5-12 yrs <80
12 yrs + <90
-Cardiac or respiratory arrest
If not treated immediately, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death. Survival is possible with fast,
appropriate medical care.

Chu, R. (2019). Code blue. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, 17(5), 13–16.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nme.0000577612.35631.4b