Recovery Room/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Where will my child recover from surgery?

Once surgery is done, your child will go to the recovery room. This is also called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). There, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare providers will closely monitor your child as he or she wakes from anesthesia. The length of time spent in recovery depends on the type of surgery done, your child's response to surgery and anesthesia, and your child's condition. While your child is in recovery, the staff will:

  • Take vital signs such, as blood pressure, pulse, and breathing

  • Watch 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 IVs

  • Check your child's urine output

  • Keep your child comfortable with pain medicine and body positioning

  • Make sure your child is awake enough to swallow well before giving 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 sent home.