I need info from all the PACU nurses.

I would like to know the frequency that you do vital signs in your phase I PACU. I currently work at 2 different hospitals and one does them every 5 min. and records, and the other does theirs every 15 min. and records. I used to work at one that did them every 5 min., but you only had to record every 10 min., unless there was a prob.

Obviously, even at the one where we do them every 15 min., if there is a problem, we do them more freq. and record.

What is your policy?

Q15M X 4, then Q30M till d\c from PACU

Q15min X 4, then Q 30 min X 2, then Q hr until D/c from PACU

C

Q10min x 3, Q15min x 2, Q30min until discharged from PACU.

q5 min times 4 then q15 until dc from PACU. Of course this is minimum standard, frequencey actually depends upon patient condition.

Initial, at 5 min, at 10 min, then q 15 x3 or prn.

I work in a Pacu where we often have to funtion as the outpatient are so we do vital signs q15 as long as they are in recovery phase when they are recieving IV meds or are having any post anesthesia problems ie b/p problems only after that phase do we do anything different. Of course if our patient needs closer monitering we do and document more freqent vitals.

We do q5 x3 then q 15 till d/c from PACU. And prn of course

Q10 x 3 - fast track 30 mins

Q10 x 4 - reassess 30 - 60 mins

D/C to floor or daysurgery holding area once stable

q5minx4--->q15minx4---->q30min till discharged to Ambulatory or the floor then once after arriving back in ambulatory or according to MD order if sent to the floor.

Where I work we do Q10 min for the 30 mins that they remain in pacu [so thats 4x sets of obs]. Of course if necessary we keep the pts for longer periods, or do more frequent observations as well. Following IV narcotic injections we keep pts a further 20mins following last dose given, half an hour in the rare occasion we give IMI narcotics. [but still doing the same Q10 min obs]

VS are done q 10min and prn until d/c:)