What should you ensure before discharging a patient from the PACU?

Ensuring that the patient is fully awake and stable before discharge from the PACU is essential for multiple reasons. Patients who have just undergone anesthesia and surgical procedures may still be under the effects of anesthesia, which can impair their awareness, motor skills, and ability to make safe decisions. A fully awake patient is better able to follow discharge instructions, communicate any concerns, and demonstrate an understanding of post-operative care. Stability refers not only to consciousness levels but also to vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, which should all be within acceptable ranges to ensure the patient can be safely discharged to the next phase of their recovery.

While pain management, the presence of family members, and proper paperwork are important components of the discharge process, they do not take precedence over the patient's immediate state of consciousness and stability. A patient who is not fully awake or stable is at risk for complications, making this the primary consideration in discharge readiness.