What does the term "code blue" typically signify in a hospital?

The term "code blue" is specifically used in hospitals to indicate a medical emergency, particularly a situation where a patient requires immediate resuscitation efforts, such as in cases of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. When "code blue" is called, it alerts the healthcare team that urgent medical intervention is needed to save the patient's life. This term is widely recognized in healthcare settings and is crucial for ensuring that the appropriate response team, typically including doctors and nurses trained in advanced life support, can act swiftly to provide necessary care.

In contrast, the other choices refer to various non-emergency situations. Elective surgery is scheduled in advance and does not require the immediate response that a "code blue" indicates. Scheduled medication administration involves routine patient care, not an urgent crisis. Similarly, a transfer to a different unit may be planned and does not represent an immediate life-threatening scenario that would warrant a "code blue." Thus, the definition of "code blue" as an indication of immediate resuscitation needs is clear and aligns with the hospital protocols for emergency situations.