Med/Surg Ch 19: Postoperative Nursing

phase I PACU

area designated for care of surgical patients immediately after surgery and for patients whose condition warrants close monitoring

phase II PACU

area designated for care of surgical patients who have been transferred from a phase I PACU because their condition no longer requires the close monitoring provided in a phase I PACU

postanesthesia care unit (PACU)

area where postoperative patients are monitored as they recover from anesthesia; formerly referred to as the recovery room or postanesthesia recovery room

first-intention healing

method of healing in which wound edges are surgically approximated and integumentary continuity is restored without granulation

third-intention wound healing

method of healing in which surgical approximation of wound edges is delayed and integumentary continuity is restored by opposing areas of granulation

second-intention wound healing

method of healing in which wound edges are not surgically approximated and integumentary continuity is restored by the process known as granulation

dehiscence

partial or complete separation of wound edges

evisceration

protrusion of organs through the surgical incision

phase III PACU

setting in which the patient is cared for in the immediate postoperative period and then prepared for discharge from the facility