Final answer:
Charting by exception (CBE) is a method of documentation that focuses on documenting abnormal or unexpected findings rather than everything within normal limits. It streamlines the documentation process and allows nurses to quickly identify deviations from the norm.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charting by exception (CBE) is a method of documentation used in healthcare settings to streamline the documentation process by focusing on significant findings or exceptions to the normal patient assessment. Instead of documenting everything that is within normal limits, the nurse only documents abnormal or unexpected findings. This allows for efficient and concise documentation while still capturing important information.
For example, if a nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs, they may only document if any vital signs are outside the normal range or if there are any significant changes compared to previous assessments. This helps to save time and reduce documentation overload, allowing the nurse to focus more on patient care.
By using CBE, the nurse can quickly identify any deviations from the norm and take appropriate action. This method also promotes a more standardized and consistent approach to documentation, making it easier for other healthcare providers to interpret and understand the patient's condition.