LAUSR

Methodology: A pre-post measurement of oral temperature on a convenience sample of post-surgical adult patients transported from PACU to an inpatient or observation unit. Data was collected by two trained PACU support techs using an author-developed data collection tool. Upon readiness for discharge, and within 2 minutes prior to physically leaving the PACU, the support tech will take an oral temperature per protocol with a designated oral thermometer and document on the data collection tool. The same tech with the same thermometer rechecks and documents the temperature upon arrival to the inpatient unit. Results: Preliminary data of 82 patients demonstrates a mean temperature reduction during transport of 0.48 degrees F. and that the effects of length of transport on temperature are not significant at this time. Discussion: Because preliminary data demonstrates that there is minimal effect on temperature from transport, other etiologies must be explored. Effectively stabilizing patient is an essential component of PACU care. In this cost and time-constrained healthcare environment it is imperative to consider stabilization beyond the PACU. Conclusion: A better understanding of the effects of transport on temperature provides important information to optimize patient condition in limited time. Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research: A consistent method of measuring temperature across the continuum of care is essential. A future opportunity exists to compare the temperature of 30 minutes before transport to the temperature of 2 minutes before transport from PACU.