What are potential risks associated with prolonged sedation in PACU?

Prolonged sedation in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) can significantly increase the risk of airway obstruction and respiratory failure. During this period, patients may have diminished responsiveness due to the sedative agents used during their anesthesia. This sedation can lead to a decrease in protective reflexes, which puts patients at a higher risk for airway compromise. For instance, the upper airway may become lax, increasing the chance of obstruction. Furthermore, respiratory drive can be diminished, leading to inadequate ventilation and the potential for respiratory failure.

The other options, while they may describe issues related to patient recovery, do not directly correlate with the specific risks posed by prolonged sedation. For example, increased pain and discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons but are not specifically tied to sedation levels. Similarly, high blood pressure and fever may stem from other complications or the surgical procedure itself rather than sedation duration. Delayed wound healing and nausea can also be influenced by factors unrelated to the sedation process. Thus, airway obstruction and respiratory failure are the key risks to keep in mind concerning prolonged sedation in the PACU setting.