National Early Warning Score 2
Combines vital signs to stratify deterioration risk in hospitalized adults.
When to use
Hospitalized or triage adults to recognize clinical deterioration and guide monitoring frequency.
Pearls and pitfalls
- NEWS 2 uses room air saturation and scores supplemental oxygen separately.
- A score of 5 to 6 indicates medium risk; 7 or more indicates high risk and an urgent response.
- The scale has a hypercapnia version with different saturation targets; do not use it without indication.
- The score does not replace clinical assessment or judgment about the cause of deterioration.
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Formula
Sum the points for respiratory rate, saturation, oxygen, systolic pressure, heart rate, consciousness and temperature.
Evidence
British national early warning score, updated in 2017 to standardize the response to deterioration.
References
- Royal College of Physicians. National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2: standardising the assessment of acute illness severity in the NHS. London: RCP; 2017. https://www.rcp.ac.uk/improving-care/resources/national-early-warning-score-news-2/
Frequently asked questions
What is National Early Warning Score 2?
Combines vital signs to stratify deterioration risk in hospitalized adults. Hospitalized or triage adults to recognize clinical deterioration and guide monitoring frequency.
How is the result calculated?
Sum the points for respiratory rate, saturation, oxygen, systolic pressure, heart rate, consciousness and temperature.
How should the result be interpreted?
British national early warning score, updated in 2017 to standardize the response to deterioration.
What are the sources?
Royal College of Physicians. National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2: standardising the assessment of acute illness severity in the NHS. London: RCP; 2017.