Waking up the gastric bypass patient

Waking up the gastric bypass patient in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is a continual challenge. From January 1992 to November 1996, 961 gastric bypasses (GBP) have been performed at Columbia St Mark's Hospital. Of the 961 patients, 957 came to the PACU. Four patients went directly to ICU because of respiratory status requiring mechanical ventilation. There have been no deaths and no respiratory arrests in PACU. Continuous bedside monitoring of the patient's respiratory status coupled with pain management contributed to positive care of the GBP patient. Methods of care for the GBP patient include the use of O2 masks and cannulas, coughing and deep breathing, administering i.v. narcotics until patient controlled analgesia pumps are initiated, encouragement and emotional support, ongoing assessment of patients' status, and treating problems/needs appropriately.