What is a common goal of PACU care?

A common goal of PACU care is to ensure patient stability before transfer to the next level of care. This phase of care is critical because it involves monitoring and managing a patient’s vital signs, pain levels, and any complications that may arise following anesthesia and surgery. The PACU is designed to provide a safe environment where healthcare professionals can closely observe patients until they have sufficiently recovered from the effects of anesthesia and the surgical procedure.

Achieving patient stability is paramount, as it helps prevent adverse events and prepares patients for a smooth transfer to either the inpatient unit for continued recovery or, in some cases, their home. The focus during PACU care is heavily placed on physical assessment and intervention, which directly contribute to the overall safety of the patient advancing in their recovery process.

In contrast with the importance of patient stability, while education and discharge factors are relevant in the continuum of care, they occur at different stages and are not primary goals of PACU immediately post-anesthesia.