Recovery from Anesthesia: PACU Guidelines

Anesthesia is the use of medicines to prevent pain and discomfort during some medical tests, procedures, surgery, and other treatments.

General anesthesia causes a complete loss of consciousness. It is often described as a “deep sleep.” But, unlike normal sleep, your child will not feel things, such as pain. The time your child spends waking up after anesthesia is called recovery. 

Find out more about anesthesia on the Together by St. Jude™ online resource.

Do not leave the hospital while your child is under anesthesia. At least 1 family caregiver should stay in the waiting room during your child's anesthesia session. Give your nurse a cell phone number to contact you if needed, and, in the rare case of an emergency.

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

After a surgery, procedure, or treatment with anesthesia , the care team will take your child to the recovery area. The recovery area is called the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Hospital staff will watch your child until the effects of anesthesia wear off.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has 5 PACUs located throughout the hospital. Your nurse will tell you which PACU your child will be taken to for recovery. No more than 2 family caregivers can be in the recovery room. If siblings come with you, please keep them by your side and quiet out of respect for other patients.

No filming,  photography, video call, streaming, or similar activity is allowed in the PACU.

What to expect during recovery

• The care team will update you on your child's condition and answer any questions you have.
• The care team will watch your child’s vital signs. Vital signs may include temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate, pain, and nausea.
• Please do not touch or try to wake your child unless you are told to do so as this may startle them. Each child wakes from anesthesia in their own way. Some children are alert and smiling. Some are upset and crying.
• The care team may give your child a light snack and drink. If you choose to bring a snack for your child, please do not bring hot foods or meals. Please also avoid foods that have strong smells.
• Your child’s IV or subcutaneous port will stay in place until your child can be discharged.
• Recovery time depends on your child’s condition. Your child will be discharged from the PACU once the care team decides they are ready.

Possible side effects after anesthesia

Your child may have side effects after getting anesthesia. Possible anesthesia side effects include:

• Feeling cold: It is normal to feel cold while recovering from anesthesia. The care team can give your child warm blankets to help keep them comfortable.
• Nausea: Your child may have nausea (feel sick to their stomach) or vomiting after anesthesia. If needed, the care team will give your child medicine for nausea or vomiting.
• Pain: It is normal for your child to have pain after certain procedures such as surgery. The care team will give your child medicine for pain if needed.
• Feeling weak or dizzy: Your child might feel dizzy after anesthesia. This puts them at higher risk for falls. Infants and toddlers may need more support than usual after a procedure with anesthesia.
• Feeling sleepy: Your child might sleep off and on for the rest of the day. This is normal after anesthesia.

Watch your child closely during the first 24 hours after anesthesia. Your child should respond easily. Their breathing should be normal.

The care team will give you important instructions to follow when your child is released from the recovery area. Talk with your care team about any questions you have.

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