How does a nurse assess a patient's level of hydration in PACU?

Monitoring urine output and assessing skin turgor are critical components in evaluating a patient's level of hydration in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Urine output is a reliable indicator of kidney function and can help determine whether the patient is adequately hydrated. A decrease in urine output may suggest dehydration or fluid retention, while adequate urine output usually reflects good hydration status.

Skin turgor, which assesses the elasticity and hydration of the skin, provides additional insight into a patient's hydration levels. When a patient is well-hydrated, the skin will quickly return to its normal position after being pinched. In contrast, if the skin remains tented, it indicates poor hydration.

Together, these assessments offer a comprehensive view of a patient’s hydration status, making this approach the most effective method within the PACU setting.