Monitoring in the recovery area should be performed by a
dedicated person, trained in their specific job skills as
determined by the supervising physician, and must include pulse oximetry and
non-invasive blood pressure measurement. The patient must be assessed
periodically for level of consciousness, pain relief, or any untoward
complication. Each patient should meet discharge criteria as established by the
practice, prior to leaving the facility. Documented recovery from anesthesia
should include the following:
1) vital
signs and oxygen saturation stable within acceptable limits;
2) no more than minimal nausea, vomiting or
dizziness; and
3) sufficient time
(up to 2 hours) should have elapsed following the last administration of
reversal agents to ensure the patient does not become sedated after reversal
effects have worn off. The patient should be given appropriate discharge
instructions and discharge under the care of a responsible third party after
meeting discharge criteria. Discharge instructions should include:
1) the procedure performed;
2) information about potential complications;
3) telephone numbers to be used by
the patient to discuss complications or questions that may arise;
4) instructions for medications prescribed
and pain management;
5) information
regarding the follow-up visit date, time and location; and
6) designated treatment facility in the event
of an emergency (office-based physician's number, not the emergency room).
Authors: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners
ad hoc Committee: Arthur F. Toole, III, M.D.; Jorge A. Alsip,
M.D.; James G. Chambers, III, M.D.; Craig H. Christopher, M.D.; Alcus Ray
Hudson, M.D.; Pamela D. Varner, M.D.; James E. West, M.D.; and Task Force
Sub-Committee: Jeff Plagenhoef, M.D.; Eric Crum, M.D.; Dan J. Coyle, Jr., M.D.;
Gary Monheit, M.D.; Robert Hurlbutt, IV, M.D.; C. Paul Perry, M.D.; W. Guinn
Paulk, M.D.; Mark McIlwain, D.M.D., M.D.; Jerald Clanton, D.M.D., M.D.; Patrick
J. Budny, M.D.; James W. Northington, M.D.; David Franco, M.D.; Thomas E.
Moody, M.D.
Notes
Ala. Admin. Code r.
540-X-10-.09
New Rule: Filed October 17,
2003; effective November 21, 2003.
Statutory Authority:
Code of Ala.
1975, ยง
34-24-53.
