What score indicates a patient has “passed” the Aldrete score for discharge from the PACU?

A score of 9 or higher on the Aldrete score indicates that a patient has met the criteria for discharge from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The Aldrete score is a system utilized to assess a patient's readiness for discharge based on several factors: activity level, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation. Each factor is assigned a specific score, and a total score of 9 or above signifies that the patient has sufficiently recovered from anesthesia and is stable enough for discharge.

Scoring below 9 may suggest that the patient has not fully regained adequate function in one or more of these areas, making it potentially unsafe for them to be discharged. Therefore, achieving a score of 9 or higher reflects a safe criterion that prioritizes the patient's well-being and ensures they can be monitored appropriately before leaving the PACU.