PACU Blog

Image of a post anesthesia care unit (PACU)

During the second week of my shadowing, I was assigned to observe in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). In this unit, specialized registered nurses care for patients after they have gone through surgery. The nurses monitor the consciousness  of the patient, their vitals, and any potential post-operation complications.

During my time spent in the PACU, I noticed that it was a much calmer environment then out on the main floor. Depending on the day, when not caring for a patient, many nurses had free time to conversate, read, get food, etc. Many of the staff members had close relationships, and I felt very welcome in all of their conversations. One day, I had sat down with one of the nurses and we talked about everything from the process of going through medical school, to her camping trips with her husband that she had planned. I felt that it was easier for me to form stronger relationships in the PACU due to the slow, relaxed environment. 

Emergence delirium scale

When observing the nurses as they work with patients, I noticed one common factor among all younger children. When they woke up/gained consciousness, they exhibited what is known as emergence delirium. Initially this behavior seemed alarming to me, but the nurses explained that it is a fairly common occurrence that they often prepare for.  One of the nurses had even explained to me that oftentimes, patients wake up in a similar state to how they went to sleep. For example if a young patient goes under anesthesia crying, they may wake up crying too. During my time spent shadowing in the PACU, I learned many different facts that I would not have assumed on my own!