The Postanesthesia Care Unit - Monitoring

Close observation of the patient's level of consciousness, breathing pattern, oxygen saturation, and hemodynamics is of utmost importance. The nurse-to-patient ratio for routine cases is one nurse to two or three patients and increases to single coverage for high-acuity patients, such as those with significant comorbidities, intraoperative complications or particularly complex procedures. Vital signs are monitored and recorded at regular intervals according to clinical necessity. Standard monitoring includes respiratory rate measurement, continuous electrocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry. Temperature should be monitored and recorded.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.