Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Anesthesia and Intubation of Preadolescent Mouse Pups for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Published on: June 2, 2022
Integrative Literature Review: Ascertaining Discharge Readiness for Pediatrics After Anesthesia
Insights
Discharge criteria for pediatric patients after anesthesia should include physiological status, consciousness assessment, and competent adult supervision. Current scoring systems may lack validity for modern anesthesia practices.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Unplanned hospital readmissions following general anesthesia for ambulatory procedures pose financial risks.
- Pediatric patients have unique anesthetic risks influencing discharge decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific evidence-based criteria for evaluating pediatric patient readiness for discharge after anesthesia.
- To review current literature on discharge standards for pediatric ambulatory surgery patients.
Main Methods:
- An integrative literature review was performed.
- Literature search encompassed January 2008 to November 2013.
- Keywords included pediatric, anesthesia, discharge, criteria, assessment, and recovery.
Main Results:
- Eleven significant literature sources were identified, including systematic reviews, RCTs, cohort studies, case series, and expert opinions.
- Evidence supports discharge criteria focusing on physiological stability and patient consciousness.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based discharge criteria for pediatric patients post-anesthesia should integrate physiological baselines, consciousness assessment, and professional standards.
- Ensuring discharge to a competent adult is crucial.
- The reliability and validity of 1970s-era anesthesia scoring systems in modern practice require further investigation.
Purpose:
Unplanned hospital readmissions after the administration of general anesthesia for ambulatory procedures may contribute to loss of reimbursement and assessment of financial penalties. Pediatric patients represent a unique anesthetic risk. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to ascertain specific criteria used to evaluate discharge readiness for pediatric patients after anesthesia.
Design:
This study is an integrative review of literature.
Methods:
An integrative literature search was conducted and included literature sources dated January 2008 to November 2013. Key words included pediatric, anesthesia, discharge, criteria, standards, assessment, recovery, postoperative, postanesthesia, scale, score, outpatient, and ambulatory.
Finding:
Eleven literature sources that contributed significantly to the research question were identified. Levels of evidence included three systematic reviews, one randomized controlled trial, three cohort studies, two case series, and two expert opinions.
Conclusions And Implications:
This integrative literature review revealed evidence-based discharge criteria endorsing home readiness for postanesthesia pediatric patients should incorporate consideration for physiological baselines, professional judgment with regard to infant consciousness, and professional practice standards/guidelines. Additionally, identifying and ensuring discharge to a competent adult was considered imperative. Nurses should be aware that frequently used anesthesia scoring systems originated in the 1970s, and this review was unable to locate current literature examining the reliability and validity of their use in conjunction with modern anesthesia-related health care practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:21Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption