Student ___________________
Date of Rotation_____________
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
OBJECTIVES
After participation in this rotation, the Health Science student will gain knowledge of various procedures
that are performed in the PACU, will be able to identify what types of staff members are employed on the
units and their roles, and will be able to identify the important aspects of post anesthesia care
PRE-ROTATION ASSIGNMENT
Define the following terms:
1. endotracheal tube intubation
2. embolus
3. post-operative
4. extubation
5. Aldrete score
6. consciousness
7. hypoxemia
8. hypoventilation
9. hemorrhage
10. hypovolemia
11. hypertension
12. cardiac arrythmia
Instructor__________
13. malignant hyperthermia
14. What is the role of the Operating Room staff when a patient is brought into PACU? What kind of
topics do they discuss with the PACU nurse?
15. What criteria has to be met for a patient to be discharged from PACU. What other type units
might they be discharged to?
16. How much time does a patient typically spend in PACU after surgery?
17. How often are vital signs taken and documented in PACU?
18. Describe the initial assessment that is done by the PACU nurse when a patient arrives to PACU
After surgery: vital signs, operative site, level of consciousness, orientation, airway management,
pain assessment.
19. Describe the various types of medical professionals that work in the PACU.
19. What is SBAR reporting and why is it so important when PACU staff are discharging patients to
Another unit?
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Thank you for mentoring the Denton ISD Health Science student on your unit. Your time and leadership
is greatly valued and I appreciate your feedback on student performance while on your unit.
OBSERVED/ASSISTED
1. PACU Care
a. SBAR Report
__________/_________
b. patient assessment
__________/_________
c. patient safety measures
__________/_________
d. vital signs
__________/_________
e. airway assessment
__________/_________
f. surgical site assessment
__________/_________
g. patient identification/warning bands
__________/_________
h. post-surgical pain management
__________/_________
i. foley catheter management
__________/_________
j. surgical site assessment
__________/_________
k. vital signs
__________/_________
l. level of consciousness assessment
__________/__________
m. drain management
__________/__________
n. aldrete scoring
__________/__________
o. other____________________________
__________/__________
___________________________
Mentor Signature
__________________________
Date
Evaluation Sheet for Clinical Rotation
Student name: _______________________________________________________________________
Rotation site: ___________________________________
Date: ____________________
Please evaluate the student for each category and mark the appropriate box. The scale proceeds from a high of 5 to a low of 0.
Area of Evaluation
5
4
3
Presents proper appearance:
Professional grooming.
Neat and clean.
Meets professional standards.
Attitude toward learning:
Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to learn.
Asks pertinent questions.
Demonstrates enthusiasm.
Exhibits emotional maturity.
Observes rules:
Observes safety factors.
Demonstrates understanding of Medical Ethics and
Confidentiality.
Quality of work:
Uses proper techniques.
Takes pride in work.
Exhibits ability to follow directions.
Quantity of work:
Follows directions.
Completes tasks on time.
Productive use of time.
Cooperates with others:
Works well with others.
Readily assists others.
Displays good human relations:
Shows tact and understanding.
Respectful of others.
Exhibits a positive attitude.
Comments:
Mentor:_____________________________________________
Date:___________________________________
2
1
0
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Post Rotation Reflection
(due on Friday or Monday after Rotation on Unit)
Answer the following questions using complete sentences and correct grammar/punctuation. Answer ALL questions.
1. The mentor(s) that I was assigned to was_____________________________________. Their
title(s) are_______________________________.
2. What did you like best about your rotation day in the department? Why?
3. What did you like least about your rotation day in this department? Why?
4. What skills did you perform while on this unit?
5. List five pieces of medical equipment that you observed on the unit this week.
6. What patient diagnosis and procedures did you learn about?
7. What medical terminology or abbreviations did you encounter? Name at least three and provide
definition or meaning.
8. Interview your mentor. List their educational background, job description, years of experience,
and level of job satisfaction.
Using the following space, write an essay describing your overall experience on the unit. When
reflecting on your day in the unit, think about your responsibility in your learning. What could you
have done differently to ensure that you have the optimal experience?
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Student Signature___________________________________ Date____________________