Aldrete Score for Post-Anaesthesia Discharge
Assesses readiness for discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU / recovery room). Score ≥ 9 generally indicates fitness for discharge to ward.
Score interpretation
Aldrete Score < 9: Patient not ready for discharge from recovery/PACU.
→ Continue monitoring in PACU. Identify and treat any deficiencies (pain, airway, haemodynamic instability, residual paralysis). Reassess every 15–30 minutes.
Aldrete Score ≥ 9: Patient meets criteria for discharge to general ward.
→ Discharge to surgical ward with standard post-op observations. Ensure analgesia, antiemetics, and nursing handover completed.
Interpretation bands for the Aldrete Score. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Aldrete JA, Kroulik D. A postanesthetic recovery score. Anesth Analg. 1970;49(6):924–934.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Difluprednate 0.05% Eye Drops · Potent Ophthalmic Corticosteroid — Uveitis / Post-Operative Inflammation
- Bromfenac · Topical NSAID (post-operative)
- Oxycodone (Orthopaedic Post-operative Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Strong
- Morphine (PCA — Post-Operative Pain) · Opioid Analgesic — Patient-Controlled Analgesia
- Tramadol (Post-Operative Pain) · Weak Opioid / Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (Analgesic)
- Co-codamol 30/500 (Post-Operative Step-Down Analgesia) · Compound Analgesic (Codeine + Paracetamol — Weak Opioid Step-Down)
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Burns — TBSA Estimation & Fluid Resuscitation · British Burn Association; EMSB; RCEM 2024
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis · BAPS / RCPCH
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.