Child Health A-Z

Recovery Room / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Where will my child recover from surgery?

Once surgery has been completed, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (also called PACU). In the recovery room, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals will closely monitor your child as he/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/her vital signs are stable, he/she will be brought back to a regular hospital room or discharged home.

Last Update
February 3, 2008

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