The PACU, post anesthesia care unit or recovery room, is the name of the room where you will recover from your surgery and anesthesia. An experienced post anesthesia care nurse and anesthesiologist will be there to care for you during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Post Anesthesia Care Unit
What happens in the PACU/Recovery?
- During your recovery you will be placed on a heart monitor that continuously monitors your pulse and blood pressure.
- A finger cover is placed on your finger. It tells us how much oxygen is in your blood and how well you are breathing.
- Your temperature will be taken.
- When you first wake up you may have an oxygen mask covering your mouth and nose. It is important to keep it on until your nurse removes it.
- If you have an incision or bandage, your nurse will be checking the area for any bleeding.
- When you are awake and ready for fluids, you will start drinking small sips of water.
How will I feel after surgery?
- You may feel sleepy, dizzy and/or forgetful from the medications given to you during your operation. These feelings will improve as time passes.
- You may have some discomfort after your surgery. The nurses will give you medication to make you feel better.
- If you have had a spinal anesthetic or a nerve block to an extremity, the extremity will feel numb and heavy and you may not be able to move it. This is not cause for worry. The normal feeling and movement will return with time as the medication wears off.
How long will I be in the PACU?
- The average recovery time is usually between 30 to 90 minutes. Since each person is unique recovery time will vary.
- You can be discharged home when you are reasonably comfortable, awake and alert, pain is manageable and you have minimal nausea.
Will someone explain to me what I should do when I get home?
- Before you are discharged home, the nurse caring for you will review your discharge instructions with you and your family.
- All of your questions will be answered before you go home.
- Our phone number will be given to you to call if you have questions.
- Always feel free to call your surgeon for any questions or problems.
- If you do not know your surgeon's phone number, please call the Surgery Center @ (707) 578-4100.