history of atrial fibrillation that is controlled with diltiazem and warfarin and has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is well controlled with an ipratropium/albuterol inhaler. As instructed by her surgeon, Mrs L has not taken the warfarin for the past five days. She has no known allergies and has been NPO since 10 PM last night.
• Assessment—Mrs L experienced a scheduling error today, so she is extremely nervous. To verify again, she is scheduled to undergo an abdominal hysterectomy.
• Recommendations—Mrs L has been seen preoperatively by her surgeon and her anesthesia care provider. Do you have any questions?
The surgical procedure proceeded without incident and the anesthesia care provider and the circulating nurse transported Mrs L to the PACU. The following hand-off report, which did not follow the SBAR technique, took place between the circulating nurse, anesthesia care provider, and PACU nurse:
Mrs L—abdominal hysterectomy. Received general. Is on her fourth bag of lactated Ringer’s (LR) solution. Minimal blood loss. Dressing is dry. Catheter placed in the OR. Was given ondansetron and morphine in the OR before coming out.