Which of the following is a key consideration when preparing a patient for transfer from the PACU?

The presence of stable vital signs is crucial when preparing a patient for transfer from the PACU because it indicates that the patient is recovering well from anesthesia and is physiologically stable enough for transfer to a less intensive care setting. Vital signs provide primary insight into the patient's overall condition, including their cardiovascular stability, respiratory function, and effectiveness of pain management.

Stable vital signs generally mean that the patient is responding appropriately to postoperative care and is not experiencing any immediate complications. It assures healthcare providers that the patient can safely be moved to a general nursing unit where they can continue their recovery while receiving appropriate monitoring and care.

While the presence of family members can be supportive and beneficial for the patient's emotional wellbeing, it does not directly affect the clinical readiness of the patient for transfer. The duration of surgery and the size of the surgical incision can provide useful information about the complexity of the procedure and potential recovery challenges but are secondary to the immediate assessment of stability indicated by vital signs.