Postoperative Care
This phase of care begins when the patient arrives in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and continues as he moves on to the short procedure unit, medical-surgical unit, or intensive care unit. Postoperative care aims to minimize postoperative complications by early detection and prompt treatment. After anesthesia a patient may experience pain, inadequate oxygenation, or adverse physiologic effects of sudden movement. Recovery from general anesthesia takes longer than induction because the anesthetic is retained in fat and muscle. P.106 Fat has a meager blood supply; thus, it releases the anesthetic slowly, providing enough anesthesia to maintain adequate blood and brain levels during surgery. The patient's recovery time varies with his amount of body fat, his overall condition, his premedication regimen, and the type, dosage, and duration of anesthesia. Equipment Thermometer • watch with second hand • stethoscope • sphygmomanometer • postoperative flowchart or other docum...