Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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J. Perianesth. Nurs. · Jun 2013
ReviewProlonged-stay patients in the PACU: a review of the literature.
The postanesthesia care unit (PACU) provides general to intensive care to immediate postsurgical patients. Patients with extensive surgeries are often kept in PACU until their condition is stabilized before shifting them to their designated wards, creating more demands on PACU nurses. ⋯ Limited studies discuss the impact of prolonged PACU stays on patients, families, and PACU nurses. Future research is required to explore the experiences of PACU nurses related to prolonged-stay patients.