Invasive procedures are not performed in the PACU setting

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

ANS: F
Performing procedures in PACU is more common in facilities in which the PACU doubles as a special procedure care unit for ambulatory patients who are receiving nerve blocks for pain therapy. Some institutions allow an uncomplicated endoscopy to be performed in the PACU. The rationale behind this practice is that patients having special procedures need to be monitored by experienced personnel for a short time after a treatment or test. For some procedures, the PACU nurse monitors a patient receiving intravenous conscious sedation and may assist the physician, thus depleting the staff available for postoperative care.