'Rapid assessment of the acutely ill patient' explores the principles of assessment of patients at risk of their condition deteriorating, or those recently relocated from higher levels of care. The focus is on patient assessment , interpretation of data, consideration of what might be need to be got ready for further assessment, immediate management of significant problems, and prevention of deterioration in clinical outcomes. 'Rapid assessment of the acutely ill patient' provides a framework for initial assessment and explores principles of effective assessment. Systems are then assessed on a system by system basis including: airway & breathing; circulation; consciousness and reduced consciousness; exposure, fluids & electrolytes; nutritional needs (feeding) and elimination functions; infection, infection control, and sepsis key principles; key principles of medications in acute care; psychology, pain and comfort; rest and sleep.