Which of the following best describes proactive steps to prevent 'failure to rescue'?

• A. Early warning signs, rapid response activation, frequent monitoring, and clear escalation pathways.
• B. Relying on intuition alone.
• C. Wait for a crisis to escalate.
• D. Ignore escalation protocols.

Answer: (C)

Preventing failure to rescue hinges on catching deterioration early and acting quickly. The best description is using early warning signs, rapid response activation, frequent monitoring, and clear escalation pathways so help can be summoned promptly when a patient shows trouble. This proactive approach ensures issues are identified before they escalate and that trained clinicians are mobilized without delay. Relying on intuition alone, waiting for a crisis to develop, or ignoring escalation protocols slow the response, increase the chance of harm, and undermine patient safety.