Cardiovascular problems in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)
Cardiovascular problems in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) include hemodynamic instability due to hypotension, hypertension, or arrhythmias, and complications such as myocardial ischemia or decompensated heart failure. Cardiovascular issues are the third most common problem requiring treatment in the immediate postoperative period, after nausea and vomiting or respiratory problems.1
Other
After receiving anesthesia for a surgery or procedure, a patient is sent to the PACU to recover and wake up. The PACU is a critical care unit where the patient’s vital signs are closely observed, pain management begins, and fluids are given. The nursing staff is skilled in recognizing and managing problems in patients after receiving anesthesia. The PACU is under the direction of the Department of Anesthesiology
