Discharge Criteria Following Sedation for Ambulatory Surgery

Has the patient recently been sedated or undergone anesthesia for a medical, dental or outpatient surgical procedure?

Age of the patient

Have vital signs and oxygen saturation been stable for at least 1 hour?

Are all reflexes (gag, cough, swallow, etc.) completely recovered, with baseline motor function appropriate for age?

Are nausea, vomiting and dizziness minimal?

Is there evidence of respiratory distress?

Is the patient free of excessive pain?

Is the person oriented to person, place and time?

Is the patient capable of following commands and verbalizing?

Is the patient able to follow commands and verbalize appropriately?

Is the patient alert, active and able to sit unaided?

Is the patient capable of walking?

Is the patient able to walk without assistance?

Is hydration adequate, with the patient able to take liquids?

Is the patient able to void after the procedure?

Is the patient discharged into the care of a competent adult, parent or guardian?

Has the patient or responsible adult been provided with post-operative instructions and a 24 hour emergency contact number?