j.
Hypoxemia. Low oxygen content in the blood.
k.
Hypoxia. A decrease on the supply of oxygen to cells of the body.
l.
Lethargic. A condition of drowsiness or indifference.
m.
Pallor. The absence of the skin coloration or paleness.
n.
Semiconscious. A state of being able to respond to physiological stimuli,
but capable only of reduced response to mental stimuli.
o.
Suction. The act of sucking up (or drawing up) by reducing air pressure
and creating a partial vacuum.
p.
Unconscious. A state of being unaware and unresponsive to all stimuli.
3-3.
FACTS ABOUT THE RECOVERY ROOM
a.
The recovery room is sometimes referred to as the postanesthetic room
(PR) or anesthetic room (AR). It is a special nursing unit that accommodates a group of
patients who have just undergone major or minor surgery.
b.
The purpose of a recovery room is to provide direct and continuous patient
observation during emergence from general or regional anesthesia.
c.
The recovery room and surgical intensive care unit are used mainly for the
same general purpose; that is, to accommodate a group of patients who have
undergone surgery and need close observation and prompt care in the event of sudden
complications. However, there is a difference between the two.
(1)
Recovery room. The recovery room generally supports patients for a
few hours until they have recovered from the anesthesia.
(2)
Surgical intensive care unit. The surgical intensive care unit
supports patients for a prolonged stay. This stay can be from 24 hours to months (in
the worst cases). Additionally, this unit recovers patients from anesthesia after hours
when the recovery room is closed.
d.
The practical nurse responsibility for the care of a patient in the recovery
room is to prevent complications, detect early complications, relieve patient's
discomfort, support patients through their state of dependence to independence, and
closely monitor the patient's condition.
e.
The recovery room (see Figure 3-1) should be quiet, clean, and free of
unnecessary equipment. This room should have:
MD0915
3-3