Once surgery has been completed, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In the recovery room, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other health care professionals will closely monitor your child as he or she "awakens" from anesthesia. The length of time spent in recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, your child's response to surgery and anesthesia, and your child's medical condition. While your child is in recovery, the staff will (when applicable) complete the following:
Monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and breathing
Monitor for any signs of complications
Take your child's temperature
Monitor your child's level of consciousness
Check tubes or drains
Check the wound
Check intravenous (IV) infusions
Monitor your child's urine output
Maintain your child's comfort with pain medication and body positioning
Make sure your child is awake enough to swallow effectively before offering something to drink
When your child is awake and his or her vital signs are stable, he or she will be brought back to a regular hospital room or discharged home.