Discharge

Before discharge, a patient who has undergone anesthesia should meet certain criteria. The modified Aldrete score is a simple sum of numerical values assigned to activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation; a score of at least 9 out of 10 indicated patient readiness for discharge ( Table 71-4 ).

The Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System modifies these required parameters by including assessment of pain, nausea/vomiting, and surgical bleeding in addition to vital signs and activity.^[48] The anesthesiologist should see the patient again before being discharged from the PACU, and the patient's condition should be recorded in the chart.