Vital signs in Phase II

[Carrollrn]

I need info from all the PACU nurses! w

hen patients are in Phase II of recovery, how frequent are you taking vitals signs?

where did your policy of vitals derive from?

Do you employ Critical care techs or nursing assistants?

what is your charting system?

Thanks!!

[brownbook]

We chart vitals every 15 minutes times 4. Of course vitals can be taken more often, and more than 4 times depending on the patient. Even less than 4 times again depending on the patient, type of anesthesia, etc.

For quick in and out cases, like cataracts, we can get 2 vitals ten minutes apart, and send them home. Use common sense, the patient's age, reaction to anesthesia, etc.

I am not a member of ASPEN, but I am comfortable assuming the policy derives from their standards. ASPEN is "guidelines" not policy. A hospital's, or clinic's, policy and procedure committee can make policy and procedures tailored to their practice and patients. It is way over my head, or desire, to further research, but of course there are legal state and federal standards a hospital has to follow.

We use CNA's and MA's in phase II.

We do paper charting, a check list of yes no questions, plus very brief narrative charting.

I am near retirement age so don't want to join ASPEN. You might consider joining, you would get well researched evidence based answers to your questions.