Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a medical emergency team (MET) or rapid response team (RRT)?

1. Administer medications during a code

2. Improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical deterioration

3. Perform surgeries on unstable patients

4. Provide palliative care only

The correct answer is: Improve patient outcomes by identifying and treating early clinical deterioration

The purpose of a medical emergency team (MET) or rapid response team (RRT) is fundamentally focused on improving patient outcomes by recognizing and addressing early signs of clinical deterioration. These teams are designed to intervene promptly when a patient's condition begins to decline, ideally before a full cardiac arrest or other critical events occur. One of the key functions of an RRT is to assess patients who exhibit concerning changes in vital signs or overall clinical status, allowing for swift interventions that may include further evaluation, adjustment of care plans, or even upgrading the level of care to prevent severe complications. By providing timely support and expertise at the bedside, RRTs can significantly enhance patient safety, reduce the incidence of codes outside of the ICU, and ultimately improve the overall quality of care delivered. The other options, while related to critical care and patient management, do not capture the primary aim of METs or RRTs in the context of proactively managing deteriorating patients. Administering medications during a code is a specific action that occurs during a full cardiac arrest scenario, performing surgeries on unstable patients falls outside the typical role of RRTs, and providing palliative care is a focused approach for end-of-life issues rather than emergency interventions.