Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Recovery
Phase 1 of recovery must be achieved before the patient is discharged from the postanesthetic
care unit (PACU) to the ward or short-stay unit. The patient must demonstrate
adequate airway control, ventilation, circulation, colour, level of consciousness and activity.
The Aldrete score is a detailed scoring system that rates the patient’s status from 0-2 on each
of those five criteria.
For Phase 1 recovery to be complete, the patient must:
• be showing no signs of respiratory depression for at least 20-30 minutes after last dose of
parenteral opioids
• be easily aroused
• be fully oriented to person, place and time
• be able to maintain and protect the airway on his own, with evidence of a strong cough
• have stable vital signs for at least 30 minutes
It is also important that pain, nausea and vomiting are controlled prior to PACU discharge
and that there are no ongoing surgical concerns, such as surgical site bleeding.
Phase 2 recovery focuses on the necessary criteria that must be met before the patient is returned
home and requires the return of cognitive function, ambulation and the ability to
take oral liquids, to name a few.
Related Glossary Terms
Aldrete score, Analgesia, Emergence, Post-anesthetic care unit, Post-operative nausea and
vomiting (PONV)
Index
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Chapter 2 - Pre-operative Evaluation
Chapter 3 - General Anesthesia
Chapter 4 - Recovery
Chapter 4 - Recovery