PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POSTOPERATIVE HEMODYNAMIC CHANGE IN THE POSTANAESTHETIC CARE UNIT AMONG ADULT SURGICAL PATIENTS

Background: Hemodynamic instability is a common and potentially serious complication in the immediate postoperative period. Identifying its prevalence and associated risk factors is crucial for improving patient safety and outcomes in the postanaesthetic care unit (PACU). Objective: To assess the prevalence of postoperative hemodynamic changes and determine the factors associated with hemodynamic instability among adult surgical patients in the PACU. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 adult surgical patients observed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical history, and intraoperative factors. Hemodynamic instability was defined using abnormal postoperative parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression to identify associated factors. Results: The most common postoperative hemodynamic abnormality was tachycardia (20.5%), followed by hypotension (18.0%) and hypertension (14.0%). Hemodynamic instability was significantly associated with age over 60 years (AOR = 2.35, p = 0.024), ASA physical status III/IV (AOR = 3.41, p < 0.001), use of general anesthesia (AOR = 2.07, p = 0.046), surgery duration greater than two hours (AOR = 2.58, p = 0.003), and preoperative hypertension (AOR = 1.88, p = 0.041). Conclusion: Hemodynamic changes are common among postoperative patients in the PACU, particularly in those who are older, have higher ASA scores, undergo longer surgeries, or have pre-existing hypertension. Early identification of at-risk patients and enhanced monitoring protocols are recommended to mitigate complications.