What is a common postoperative complication nurses should be aware of in the PACU?

In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), nurses must be vigilant in monitoring for a variety of potential postoperative complications as patients recover from anesthesia and surgery. A significant issue that can arise is atelectasis, which refers to the partial or complete collapse of the lung, often due to shallow breathing or the effects of anesthesia, making it a common concern.

Pneumonia is another serious postoperative complication that can develop due to decreased mobility, impaired coughing reflex, or retained secretions in the lungs. Patients who have undergone surgery, especially thoracic or abdominal procedures, are at an increased risk for developing pneumonia if appropriate measures, such as incentive spirometry and effective airway management, are not implemented.

Additionally, urinary retention can occur postoperatively, particularly in patients who have received certain types of anesthesia or analgesics that affect bladder function. Monitoring and intervention may be necessary to ensure that patients can void appropriately.

Given that all these complications—pneumonia, atelectasis, and urinary retention—are relevant and noteworthy for nursing practice in the PACU setting, the most comprehensive answer is that nurses should be aware of all of these complications. Their recognition and management are vital for ensuring a safe recovery for patients emerging from anesthesia.