If monitoring equipment is available in the unit, it can be used for monitoring the observation patient. Most PACUs have the appropriate equipment available in the unit if the PACU is used as the observation, boarder, or extended care area. Essential PACU equipment that can be used for the observation patient includes airway management supplies, suction, oxygen delivery equipment, means to monitor blood pressure and temperature, ECG monitor, pulse oximetry, glucose monitoring equipment, lab drawing supplies, emergency equipment, thermoregulation equipment, respiratory therapy assistance (including ventilator availability), plus all the stock supplies that are needed for routine patient care (ASPAN, 2014).
If a special unit is set up to house the observation patients, essential equipment should include airway management supplies, suction, oxygen delivery equipment, and the means to monitor blood pressure, temperature, and oximetry. Emergency equipment and supplies should always be readily available in any unit where patients are housed.