Admission to Post Anesthesia Care Unit

5.2 Admission to Post Anesthesia Care Unit

• Upon arrival in the unit, the anesthesia provider informs the PACU nurse of pertinent details on the patient's history, medical condition, anesthesia, and surgery.
• Anesthetist should manage the patient until a PACU nurse secures admission vital signs and attaches appropriate monitors.
• Document the time and amount of all neuromuscular relaxants, respiratory depressant medications, and reversal agents.
• Never transfer responsibility to PACU personnel until the patient's airway status, ventilation, and hemodynamic are appropriate.
• Check the function of indwelling cannula, intravenous catheters, and monitors before leaving.

Table 5.1 Components of a Post Anesthesia Care Unit Admission Report