Description The definitive guide to establishing and running an acute care unit Designed to help those working in the recovery room manage problems on a day-to-day basis, and to make difficult decisions A glossary makes all terms employed in the recovery room accessible to both experienced and novice practitioners Written so each chapter can stand alone, this book can be read in sections as they are needed Short aphorisms are scattered throughout the text to help retain information Includes 20 invaluable Golden Rules that all those working in the recovery room should follow New to this edition " Includes new material on risk management, administration, and quality control, and many new diagrams and tables " Features expanded sections on anaesthetic practice and the prevention of infection " Takes account of recent developments in pain control, nausea and vomiting, care of children, pregnancy, and care of the cardiac patient The care that a patient receives in the first hours after surgery is crucial to minimizing the risk of complications such as heart attacks, pneumonia, and blood clots. As the patient awakes from their drug-induced coma, it takes time for them to metabolize and excrete these drugs, during which period they remain unable to care for themselves, and at increased risk of harm. The body undergoes extreme physiological assault from pain, hypothermia, hypoxia, acid-base disturbance and shifts in blood volume. The recovery room staff must manage