What criteria must be met for a patient to be released from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)?

For a patient to be released from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), it is crucial that they exhibit stable vital signs and adequate pain control. Stable vital signs indicate that the patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems are functioning well after anesthesia, which is essential for their safety before transitioning to another level of care. Adequate pain control ensures that the patient is comfortable and not in distress, which is a fundamental standard in postoperative recovery. Meeting these two criteria indicates that the patient is sufficiently stable and has had their immediate postoperative needs addressed before leaving the PACU.

The other choices do not adequately reflect the necessary criteria for discharge from the PACU. High blood pressure and increased alertness, for example, are not sufficient alone; vital signs must be stable and within normal ranges that demonstrate recovery rather than presenting potential complications. The absence of any medication is unrealistic as most patients will still be under the influence of anesthesia or pain management medications, and completion of physical therapy is not typically a requirement for PACU discharge; physical therapy may occur at a later stage in recovery.