Fentanyl Admin PACU orders/on floor

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Wed, 04/06/2022 - 11:54
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Mark Russo
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Joined: 10/26/2020 - 14:55
Fentanyl Admin PACU orders/on floor

I came across a practice during control drug audits that I was unaware was occurring. A PACU nurse will transport a patient to med/surg floor, carrying a 'labeled' syringe of fentanyl that was being used in PACU. They may use the fentanyl to administer to the patient after transport if the patient is in discomfort due to the transport. They are using the PACU orders for the fentanyl. Their comment is they are still considered a PACU patient until handoff is complete. A couple of concerns with this, but thought I'd post here to see if this is an accepted practice that I was unaware of.
Thanks everyone,
Mark

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