Which intervention can help manage patients who are anxious and restless in the PACU?

Offering reassurance and patient-centered care is an effective intervention for managing patients who are anxious and restless in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). When patients awaken from anesthesia, they often experience disorientation, confusion, or anxiety due to various factors, including residual anesthesia effects, unfamiliar environment, or lack of control over their situation. By providing reassurance, healthcare professionals can help alleviate some of these feelings, fostering a sense of safety and security.

Patient-centered care focuses on the individual needs of the patient, including their emotional and psychological well-being. This approach encourages active listening, empathy, and engagement with the patient, helping them to feel comfortable and understood. Reassurance can be verbal, such as explaining what is happening and what to expect next, which can significantly reduce anxiety levels and promote a smoother recovery process.

In contrast, other management strategies may not effectively address the root of the patient's anxiety or could even exacerbate the situation. For example, increasing the room temperature may not have any significant impact on a patient's psychological state. Providing sedation without proper assessment could lead to over-sedation or mask important symptoms that require attention. Restricting visitor access could potentially heighten feelings of isolation and fear in a patient, which is counterproductive to creating