10. A client will return to the floor from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy when:
10. A client will return to the floor from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy when:
. The oral airway is removed.
. Pain is controlled.
. The client can move both legs.
. The client is awake with stable vital signs.
Test-Taking Tip
Safety of the client is most important. A client should not be returned to the floor until stable.
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Diagnostic Tests
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Answer 1 is incorrect because an oral airway can be removed when the client is awake enough to prevent tongue obstruction of the airway. A client should remain in PACU until it is determined that the client is stable and not at risk of having to return to the operating room. Answer 2 is incorrect because pain control is not a criterion for discharge from the PACU to the floor. Medical-surgical nurses can manage pain on the floor. Answer 3 is incorrect because moving both legs is a sign that spinal anesthesia has worn off. This client will have had general anesthesia for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Answer 4 is correct because, in the PACU, the client recovers from anesthesia. This surgery will have been done using general anesthesia, so the client should be awake. Vital signs are typically measured every 15 minutes, so after about an hour, stability can be determined and the client discharged to an area with less frequent monitoring.