COMPLEX TASK FOR PACU LECTURE (SURGICAL ROTATION)

A 65-year old female underwent an exploratory laparotomy under general

anesthesia and epidural anesthesia. The surgery lasted for 5 hours. Patient was
arousable and was then extubated. Patient was transferred to the post-anesthesia care
unit after the anesthesiologist observed good spontaneous breathing.

1. How would you position the patient during transport to the post-anesthesia care
unit?
2. What materials and supplies are needed in the post-anesthesia care unit?
3. What information do you need to know upon receiving the patient in the post-
anesthesia care unit?
4. What are the things you should monitor in the patient? Please specify the reason.
5. After 30 minutes, you observed that the patient has low respiratory rate and
decreasing oxygen saturation. What will you do? What are your differential
diagnoses?
6. Patient called for your attention and told you that she wanted to be brought to her
room so she could see her husband and children. What are the things you should
look for to recommend discharge of patient from the post-anesthesia care unit?