SBAR Pocket Cheat Sheet & Phrase Bank
A compact, badge-sized reference guide with tested phrase starters for each SBAR step, assertiveness scripts, and telephone order read-back rules.
Available SBAR Formats
Choose the format that fits your clinical workflow or educational setting.
S — Situation Phrase Starters
• "Hello Dr. [Name], this is [Your Name], RN on [Unit]. I am calling about [Patient] in Bed [Room]."
• "The problem I am calling about is [acute symptom / abnormal lab / vital sign change]."
• "This began approximately [timeframe] ago and is worsening."
B — Background Phrase Starters
• "The patient was admitted on [Date] with [Admitting Diagnosis]."
• "Pertinent medical history includes [2-3 key conditions]."
• "Their code status is [Full Code / DNR] and allergies are [Allergies]."
• "Recent interventions include [medication given / surgery done]."
A — Assessment Phrase Starters
• "Current vital signs are: BP [X], HR [X], RR [X], SpO2 [X] on [RA/O2], Temp [X]."
• "On physical exam, I noted [lung sounds / mental status / pain score]."
• "This is a significant change from their baseline of [baseline values]."
• "I think the patient may be experiencing [sepsis / PE / acute bleed / opioid toxicity]."
R — Recommendation Phrase Starters
• "I recommend you evaluate this patient at bedside within [timeframe]."
• "I request orders for [STAT lab / EKG / Chest X-ray / Fluid bolus]."
• "Would you like me to hold [specific scheduled medication]?"
• "If the patient does not improve within [timeframe], what is the backup plan?"