What is the primary goal of the PACU nursing staff?

The primary goal of the PACU nursing staff is to monitor and assess the recovery status of patients following anesthesia and surgical procedures. This is crucial because patients are often in a vulnerable state as they awaken from anesthesia, and the PACU provides a controlled environment where their vital signs, level of consciousness, pain levels, and overall stability can be closely observed.

Nurses assess for complications or side effects related to anesthesia, manage pain, and ensure that patients achieve stability before they are discharged from the PACU. Continuous monitoring allows for prompt intervention should any issues arise, which is essential for patient safety and recovery.

While providing comfort measures, ensuring timely discharges, and preparing for follow-up appointments are important aspects of patient care, they are secondary to the critical task of monitoring recovery and ensuring that patients transition to a safe state before moving on to the next phase of their care.