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DIVISION OF ANAESTHESIA AND THEATRES

Anaesthesia - Women's

Central Sterile Supply

Gynaecology Theatres

Paediatric Anaesthesia

Rogerson Anaesthesia and Recovery

Rogerson Theatres

 Recovery of Patients

Paediatric Anaesthesia Department

Recovery of Patients

1. HANDOVER TO RECOVERY STAFF

The Anaesthetist must provide all relevant details about the patient to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.This should include details about Significant medical history Anaesthesia and analgesia Surgery Fluid and blood loss and replacement Immediate postoperative orders Potential complications

The anaesthetic record sheet must be complete

2. ANAESTHETIST'S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Anaesthetist is responsible for the patient until discharged from the recovery unit. The Anaesthetist must accompany the patient to the recovery unit and ensure adequate handover to the recovery staff. The patient should be transported with provision of oxygen at 6 litres/minute and positioned on the side whenever possible. The Anaesthetist must remain with the patient until the patient's condition is stable enough to entrust to the care of the recovery unit staff. The Anaesthetist must only hand over to the nurse if satisfied that the nurse is adequately trained and competent to recover the patient. The Anaesthetist must not leave the theatre suite, which includes the Anaesthetic and intensive care departments if the patient is unconscious unless a full handover has been given to another anaesthetist. For a patient being recovered outside the theatre complex the anaesthetist must remain with the patient until the protective reflexes are present and vital signs are stable. The Anaesthetist must remain with the patient if there are no recovery staff to recover the patient. The operating list may have to be delayed.

3. RECOVERY STAFFING

Two nurses are to be present in recovery when a patient is being recovered.

One nurse for each patient who is unconscious.

4. RECOVERY OBSERVATIONS

Ten minutely observations for both patients who have had a mask anaesthetic and those who have had endotracheal intubation.

Patients shall stay for further observation after opioid analgesia for 15 minutes after intravenous and 30 minutes after intramuscular administration.

5. CRITERIA FOR DISCHARGE

Authorisation by the attending anaesthetist by (a) instructing recovery unit staff to implement routine discharge procedures. (b) signing the patient out following review.   Patient criteria for discharge, the patient must: be conscious be able to maintain airway have regained protective reflexes have stable cardio respiratory function have a body temperature above 36 degrees have normal wound hemostasis not be vomiting have a pain score no greater than 2 be clean have had post-operative drug and fluid orders implemented.

 

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Last Modified: 30-03-2009 15:07:50