Decompensate
Formal Definition
When a patient's condition rapidly deteriorates after previously being stable.
How It's Used on the Ward
"The patient is decompensating" is an urgent alert that things are going south.
Example
"Resident on the phone: "I need you at bedside now. My CHF patient is decompensating - sats dropping, increasingly tachypneic.""
Clinical Context
This word carries urgency. When someone says a patient is decompensating, it means act now. Often precedes a rapid response or ICU transfer.
281 clinical terms, flashcards, quizzes, and ward simulations. Free to start.
Practice All Terms on DoctorSpeak