Pulse oximetry: an added criterion for discharge from the post-operative care unit

Based on the observation that the degree of wakefullness measured by Post Anesthetic Recovery (PAR) score in some patients does not correlate with their oxygen saturation, the authors decided to carry on a study to validate that assumption. Three hundred patient ASA I & II were studied. Oxygen saturation and PAR score were recorded from the time of arrival till their discharge by the recovery room staff nurses. Thirty one patients out of one three hundred (10%) were found to be hypoxic (saturation < 95%) despite their high PAR score. The degree of wakefullness as measured by PAR scores cannot be used to establish an end point for oxygen supplementation. Oxygen supplementation and SpO2 monitoring are recommended in all patients recovering from anesthesia.