Postoperative Care & PACU Management Flashcards

What pain criterion must be met before safe PACU discharge?

Answer: Pain controlled at an acceptable level with oral analgesics the patient will continue

Discharge pain management requires patient-acceptable pain controlled with the analgesics they will use at home or on the ward.

What is postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD)?

Answer: Transient decline in cognitive function occurring days to weeks after surgery

POCD is a transient decline in memory, attention, and cognitive function occurring days to weeks after surgery, particularly in elderly patients.

Which patient group is at highest risk for postoperative pulmonary complications?

Answer: Elderly patients with COPD or OSA having upper abdominal surgery

Elderly patients with COPD or OSA undergoing abdominal surgery face the highest risk of postoperative pulmonary complications due to multiple compounding risk factors.

When should Sugammadex be used instead of neostigmine for neuromuscular blockade reversal?

Answer: For deep or profound rocuronium or vecuronium blockade

Sugammadex encapsulates rocuronium and vecuronium at any depth of blockade, making it the only option for reversal of deep neuromuscular blockade.

What is the appropriate oxygen delivery device for a COPD patient requiring controlled oxygen therapy in the PACU?

Answer: Venturi mask at controlled FiO2

A Venturi mask delivers precise, controlled FiO2 in COPD patients where excessive oxygen could suppress hypercapnic respiratory drive.

What consciousness criterion from the modified Aldrete score must be met before PACU discharge?

Answer: Patient must respond to verbal commands

The consciousness criterion of the Aldrete score requires the patient to respond to verbal stimuli, indicating sufficient recovery from anesthetic agents for discharge.