What is the post-op priority in PACU?

• A. Maintain a patent airway
• B. Control pain first
• C. Prevent infection
• D. Ensure patient warmth

Answer: (A)

Securing a patent airway is the highest priority because without a clear airway, breathing and oxygen delivery cannot occur, and hypoxemia can develop rapidly after anesthesia. Anesthetic drugs suppress airway reflexes and can cause airway obstruction from the tongue, edema, secretions, or residual muscle relaxation. The immediate focus in the PACU is to assess airway patency, ensure effective ventilation, and monitor oxygen saturation and, if available, capnography. Interventions include proper head and neck alignment, airway adjuncts if needed, suctioning to remove secretions, and providing bag-valve-mask ventilation if airway obstruction persists. Once the airway and breathing are stabilized, attention can shift to pain control, warmth, and infection prevention, but nothing should compromise the airway first.