Unit 3:

Post
Operative
Care
 Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
 also called the recovery room or
postanesthesia recovery room
 located adjacent to the operating rooms suite
 Patients may remain in a PACU unit for as
CARE OF long as 4 to 6 hours, depending on the type
PATIENT IN of surgery and any preexisting conditions.
THE  Phases of Postanesthesia Care
POSTANESTHE o Phase I: used during the immediate
recovery phase, intensive nursing care is
SIA CARE UNIT provided.
o Phase II: the patient is prepared for self-
care or care in the hospital or an extended
care setting.
o Phase III: the patient is prepared for
discharge.