PACU (Ed) questions with correct answers

Describe the purpose of and evolution of the PACU? Deaths were typically due to? - Answer First PACUs were called recovery rooms. •50% of deaths which occur during the first 24 hrs after surgery were preventable by having a recovery room •Deaths typically due to respiratory obstruction o Prevention with observation post-op •Use of the recovery room for care of critically ill surgical patients foreshadowed the advent of surgical ICUs AANA Standards: I II III - Answer I: There is a mechanism designed to assure that patients who have had general or regional anesthesia or IV sedation will receive appropriate postanesthesia care by qualified providers II: The safe transport of the patient to the post anesthesia area is the responsibility of the provider of that patient's anesthesia care III: The anesthesia care provider is responsible for the transfer of the pt's care to another qualified healthcare provider (ie RN) AANA standards: IV V VI - Answer IV: Monitoring and evaluation in the PACU shall be by continuous clinical observation and modalities appropriate to the pt's condition (Must have pulse-ox)