The nurse is caring for the patient after general anesthesia. How often does the nurse perform routine patient assessment and documentation in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)?
a. Every 5 minutes
b. Every 5 to 15 minutes
c. Every 15 to 30 minutes
d. Every 30 minutes to 1 hour
B
The nurse assesses the patient every 5 to 15 minutes in the PACU because he or she is recovering from general anesthesia and suppression of several vital functions, including maintaining an air-way, breathing, and the gag reflex. If adverse responses are occurring, a patient could need reas-sessment every 5 minutes, but usually every 5 to 15 minutes is sufficient. Assessing at intervals of 30 minutes or more is dangerous because complications develop quickly and subtly, leaving the patient exposed to risks for extended periods.
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