Care of the intubated patient in the PACU: the 'ABCDE' approach.

This paper discusses airway management in the post anaesthetic care unit (PACU). Many patients will be extubated on arrival to the PACU, however a small number will need further support with tracheal intubation. Patient assessment is a key role for the PACU staff and using the ABCDE approach will provide a systematic method for assessing the patient and determining suitability for extubation. Care of the patient following extubation is also described.