Which practice indicates successful orientation of a new nurse to the PACU?

Which practice indicates successful orientation of a new nurse to the PACU?

• A. Places a patient in Trendelenburg when BP drops.
• B. Assists a patient to the prone position when nauseated.
• C. Turns an unconscious patient to the side when the patient arrives in the PACU.
• D. Positions a newly admitted unconscious patient supine with the head elevated.

Answer: (C)

Placing an unconscious patient in a side-lying recovery position on arrival to the PACU is done to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. When anesthesia wears off, airway reflexes are diminished and secretions or vomit can easily enter the airway. The side-lying position allows secretions to drain away from the airway, keeps the airway open, and makes it easier to observe breathing and color. The other practices raise safety concerns: Trendelenburg can impair breathing and circulation, turning a nauseated patient prone is not safe for airway management, and keeping an unconscious patient supine with head elevated may still risk airway obstruction and aspiration. This side-lying approach demonstrates proper immediate airway protection in the PACU.

Placing an unconscious patient in a side-lying recovery position on arrival to the PACU is done to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. When anesthesia wears off, airway reflexes are diminished and secretions or vomit can easily enter the airway. The side-lying position allows secretions to drain away from the airway, keeps the airway open, and makes it easier to observe breathing and color. The other practices raise safety concerns: Trendelenburg can impair breathing and circulation, turning a nauseated patient prone is not safe for airway management, and keeping an unconscious patient supine with head elevated may still risk airway obstruction and aspiration. This side-lying approach demonstrates proper immediate airway protection in the PACU.