Role of Early Warning Scores and Nurse Interventions in Cardiac Arrest Prevention: Aligning with SDG 3
Keywords:
Early Warning Scores, Nurse interventions, Cardiac arrest prevention, Patient safety, Rapid response, Critical care, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)Abstract
Cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients, often preceded by subtle but measurable physiological deterioration. Early Warning Scores (EWS) have been developed to facilitate early recognition of such deterioration through structured monitoring of vital signs. This paper examines the role of EWS and nurse interventions in preventing cardiac arrest, drawing on evidence from existing literature. The findings suggest that systems such as the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and National Early Warning Score (NEWS/NEWS2) are effective tools for predicting adverse events. Nurses play a central role in implementing these systems, serving as frontline professionals who calculate scores, monitor patients, and escalate care when necessary. Integration of EWS into routine practice, supported by training, clear escalation protocols, and electronic monitoring systems, has been associated with improved patient outcomes and reduced preventable cardiac arrests. However, barriers such as workload pressures, inconsistent adherence, hierarchical constraints, and disparities across healthcare settings limit effectiveness. The study concludes that the success of EWS depends not only on the accuracy of the tool but also on the empowerment of nurses, institutional support, and a culture of patient safety.
