How long should we delay discharge from the PACU after Narcotic Administration?
IV drugs have a quicker onset and a shorter duration of action. Most opioids have a 1-5 minute onset of action and peak within 5-20 minutes. It is wise to observe the patient during this time period due to the possibility of adverse respiratory effects, so 30 minutes after any IV narcotic administration is an appropriate length of time to discharge the patient from Phase I care. With oral narcotics, ask the patient if they have received this pain medication before, and the effects or side effects of this drug. If the drug was effective, and there were no negative side effects, the nurse can safely discharge the patient to the next phase of care. If the patient has never received this med before, the patient can be discharged to the next phase of care, knowing that the Phase II nurse can assess for any adverse reactions over the next 30-60 minutes. If there will be no Phase II nurse observing the patient, it is safer to observe the patient for effectiveness as well as safety for 60 minu
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