Mixing Pre-ops and post-ops together in PACU

Specialties PACU

Published

How do you all feel about mixing pre-ops and post-ops in PACU? Is there an ASPAN standard for this? I looked in the 2008-10 book and couldn't find it. I work in a tiny 5-bed PACU and we have inconsistancy among our nurses allowing the OR team and docs to bring in pre-ops for their convienience all the while we have a phase I PACU pt recovering behind a curtian in the same room. Some don't see it as a big deal if you pull the curtain, others are more strict. My main question is what do the standards say? Should we allow it to happen in extreme cases(i.e. no where for the pre-op to sit and wait for OR.) Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!:nurse:

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Have you ever recovered:

Someone who confused they are combative with you and pulling off their clothes? You turn around for a second and they are showing everyone their "assets."

Imagine your pre-ops seeing that.

Curtain or not..what if they were screaming in pain? screaming, crying, confused, hallucinating...etc.,

Can anyone say, "HIPAA?"

Mixing PRE and POST is a very, very bad idea.

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Specializes in BURN, MED SUG ICU, PACU, HEARTS.

I believe the standards are that you have only 1:1 or 2:1 in level one PACU/with 2 RNS at all times, you can't safely watch that many patients if all the level one nurses are tied up with recoverying patients. Send an email to Athe ASPAN site, they will get back to you on rthe community standard of care. good luck JM

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Plan it all the time....

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