What criteria must a patient meet to be discharged from the Phase I postanesthesia care unit?

To determine the criteria for a patient to be discharged from the Phase I postanesthesia care unit, it's essential to consider the primary focus of patient safety and recovery monitoring during this phase. The primary requirement is that the patient must demonstrate adequate oxygenation and respiratory function, which is encapsulated in the criterion regarding oxygen saturation being above 90% and the absence of respiratory depression. This reflects the patient's ability to breathe effectively and maintain sufficient oxygen levels, which is critical following anesthesia.

While stable vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, are also important factors that indicate recovery, the most fundamental criteria ensuring immediate patient safety post-anesthesia relate to respiratory function and oxygen saturation. The criterion regarding pain levels, although relevant for overall comfort and recovery, is not a primary determinant for discharge from the Phase I PACU.

In summary, the necessity for oxygen saturation to be above 90% and for the patient to not exhibit respiratory depression is crucial for determining readiness for discharge, making it the correct criterion that reflects essential recovery milestones in the immediate postoperative phase.