Information for handover of patient to/ from the PACU
This information should be documented, but also pertinent points raised ver bally on handover to recovery staff and then to any further ward staff as needed:
• surgical procedure (i.e. craniotomy)
• anasesthetic technique (i.e. endotracheal intubation)
• lines (i.e. intravenous, arterial and central venous pressure lines)
• past medical history, allergies and pre-morbid state
• airway – devices utilized/airway manoeuvres required
• breathing – rate, depth, ventilatory parameters if ventilated
• circulation – cardiovascular stability , preoperative blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm
• analgesic plan – preoperative plan, perioperative techniques and postoperative instructions
• other – drains, additional monitoring (i.e. free flaps needed for chest X-ray etc).