Care of the intubated patient in the PACU: the 'ABCDE' approach.
This paper discusses airway management in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU). Many patients will be extubated on arrival to the PACU, however a small number will need further support with tracheal intubation. Patient assessment is a key role for the PACU staff and using the ABCDE approach will provide a systematic method for assessing the patient and determining suitability for extubation. Care of the patient following extubation is also described.
Younker
Jackie
J
University of the West of England, 7 Grove Park, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PP.
D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010360:Patient Transfer; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing