Standard of care: legal implications in the postanesthesia care unit

PACU staff provide specialized nursing care to diverse patient populations in an environment of constant activity, high volume, rapid turnover, and intense pressure. Nursing practice in the PACU requires quick, effective responses when emergencies occur. The PACU nurse is held to the same standard of care as any reasonably prudent nurse in similar life-threatening situations. It is essential that the PACU nurse know the standards of care, the basic elements of negligence, and the legal implications of practice. Ultimately, the responsibility for each nurse's practice lies in his or her knowledge and understanding of professional standards. These standards form the foundation of PACU nursing care.