Safety huddles in the PACU: when a patient self-medicates.

The implementation of safety huddles in the PACU has been effective in enhancing and promoting patient safety during the recovery period. The case scenario presented in this article demonstrates how the safety huddle can be used to examine nursing care in the PACU. Allotting time each day to address patient-related issues that arise during patient care allows the team to troubleshoot and resolve clinical issues. Through examination of nursing practices in the recovery period, PACU nurses are able to support the best perianesthesia care possible.