Care in Phase I & II Recovery- Q & A posted

Any concerns with patients being mobile enough to transfer to a reclining chair?
No, generally once the patients are awake, have their oxygen off, respond appropriately, we sit them on the edge of the stretcher and if they feel steady, transfer a couple of feet to the chair.

How do you monitor the patients? Portable Sat monitor with pulse; and a mobile BP unit for routine VS.

What is you post-op vital sign policy? Q15 min in Phase I (sometimes this is 10 minutes, depending on the patient ~ refer to your discharge criteria), then on transfer to Phase II, and on discharge from Phase II and if any adverse events.

How many chairs per room? We have 14 chairs for 11 OR's

Do they each have call bell access? No, the staff are in the wide open area where all chairs are located. 1:5 staffing for Phase II Recovery (see OPANA Standards), and a minimum of two staff assigned. As the number of patients decreases, one of the two moves to the PACU (Phase I) side of the room.

How close is the bathroom? Variable depending on the location of the chair: anywhere from 8 feet to 25 feet.
Are they assisted up to the BR each time or only the first time and then prn? The first time with a nurse, usually they only go once, but if a second visit is required, the family may accompany them depending on their status. This Phase could be as little as one half hour, again depending on the length of surgery/anesthetic, type of surgery, age of pt. etc.
Can family sit with them? Yes, we are focussed on Patient/Family Centred Care. The family may visit in PACU for 1 - 2 minutes