This module will provide nurses with an understanding of the key preoperative and intraoperative factors that influence recovery in the PACU. By exploring common surgical procedures, anesthesia types, and medications, nurses will gain a comprehensive view of how these elements impact patient care in the post-anesthesia phase.

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the most common surgical procedures and describe their implications for PACU care, including considerations for pain management, monitoring, and post-surgical recovery.

2. Understand the different types of anesthesia (general, regional, local, and sedation) and their effects on the patient’s recovery process, with an emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems.

3. Recognize the impact of various medications used in the PACU, including analgesics, muscle relaxants, antiemetics, antibiotics, and sedatives, and understand their role in the recovery process.

4. Assess how anesthesia and surgical interventions affect recovery, including managing complications that may arise due to anesthesia or surgery type.

5. Apply knowledge of medications and anesthesia effects through case studies and matching activities, identifying appropriate nursing interventions.

6. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying potential postoperative complications related to anesthesia and surgical procedures, such as respiratory depression or hypotension, and implement appropriate interventions.

7. Utilize available resources, including PACU medication guides and anesthesia reference materials, to enhance clinical decision-making and ensure patient safety during the recovery phase.