What is one of the responsibilities of a Perianesthesia nurse upon a patient's admission to Phase 1 in PACU?

• A. Assessing the patient's dietary needs
• B. Maintaining a patent airway
• C. Coordinating discharge plans
• D. Providing emotional support

Answer: (B)

Upon a patient's admission to Phase 1 in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), one critical responsibility of a Perianesthesia nurse is maintaining a patent airway. This is essential because patients are often recovering from anesthesia, which can depress their respiratory function. The nurse must constantly monitor the patient's airway to ensure it is clear and unobstructed, enabling effective breathing and preventing potential complications such as hypoxia or respiratory arrest.

Monitoring and managing the airway involves positioning the patient correctly, assessing for signs of airway obstruction, and being prepared to take action, such as administering supplemental oxygen or performing suctioning if necessary. Maintaining a patent airway is foundational to patient safety during recovery from anesthesia, making it a top priority in the PACU environment.