Airway emergencies in the post anesthesia care unit

Airway emergencies are frequently seen in the PACU. Six of the more common airway emergencies have been discussed. The upper-airway emergencies discussed included soft tissue obstruction, laryngeal edema, and laryngospasm. The lower-airway emergencies discussed included bronchospasm, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, and aspiration. The PACU nurse must be ever vigilant. Knowing the definition, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, patients at risk, and treatment modalities should prepare the PACU nurse for immediate response in the event of a crisis. Many times, the speed in which the emergency is identified and the treatment is begun determines the final outcome for the patient.