9.4. Postoperative assessment and monitoring [5,11]
– Patient should be observed continuously by
adequately trained (PACU) nurses and
an anaesthesiologist.
– Respiratory function:
– Oxygen saturation: it is recommended that
monitoring of airway patency, respiratory
rate and continuous oxygen saturation
should be controlled in emergence and
recovery. Particular attention should be
given to monitoring oxygenation and
ventilation.
– Capnography: it is strongly recommended if
patient is ventilated or drug-induced
hypoventilation can be anticipated for
any reasons.
– Cardiovascular function: it is agreed that pulse
rate, BP and ECG monitoring detect cardiovascular
complications, reduce adverse outcomes
and should be done during emergence
and recovery.
" It is recommended that routine monitoring
of pulse rate and BP should be done
during emergence and recovery, and ECG
monitors should be available.
– Neuromuscular function: assessment of neuromuscular
function primarily includes physical
examination. On occasions, it may include
neuromuscular blockade monitor, as it is
suggested to be effective in detecting
neuromuscular dysfunction. It is agreed that
assessment of neuromuscular function identifies
potential complications, reduces adverse
outcomes and should be done during emergence
and recovery.
" It is recommended that assessment of
neuromuscular functions should be performed
during emergence and recovery
for patients who have received nondepolarizing
neuromuscular blocking
agents or who have medical conditions
associated with neuromuscular dysfunction.
– Mental status: assessment of mental status can
detect complications and reduces adverse
outcomes.
" It is recommended to assess mental status
periodically during emergence and recovery.
– Temperature: routine assessment of patient
temperature detects complications and
reduces adverse outcomes.
" It is recommended to assess patient
temperature periodically during emergence
and recovery.
– Pain: routine assessment and monitoring of
pain detects complications and reduces