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Journals / The European Research Journal / 2026 / Volume: 12 Issue: 3

Determination of Factors Affecting Oxygen Saturation During Transfer From the Operating Room to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Emine Arıcı Parlak(Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye)0000-0003-4416-7075
Neslihan Ilkaz(Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye)0000-0003-2255-8171
Hatice Ayhan(Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye)0000-0002-3022-9389
Emine İyigün(Department of Surgical Diseases Nursing, Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Ankara, Türkiye)0000-0002-2276-615X
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-03-01
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Advanced age, higher BMI, lower preoperative SpO₂ values, comorbidities, upper abdominal and thyroid surgical incisions, and the use of respiratory-depressant neuromuscular agents were identified as key factors negatively affecting postoperative oxygen saturation.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Objectives: This study aimed to determine the incidence of desaturation (SpO₂ ≤94%) during the transfer of postoperative patients from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) without oxygen support and to identify factors associated with desaturation.
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Key Findings & Data:Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and July 2024 in the operating room and PACU of a training and research hospital.
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Conclusion & Impact:Advanced age, higher BMI, lower preoperative SpO₂ values, comorbidities, upper abdominal and thyroid surgical incisions, and the use of respiratory-depressant neuromuscular agents were identified as key factors negatively affecting postoperative oxygen saturation.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:2023 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Oxygen Saturation · Patient Transfer · Perioperative Nursing

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the incidence of desaturation (SpO₂ ≤94%) during the transfer of postoperative patients from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) without oxygen support and to identify factors associated with desaturation. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and July 2024 in the operating room and PACU of a training and research hospital. The sample consisted of 164 patients. Data were collected using the Oxygen Saturation Assessment Form. Post-extubation oxygen saturation levels were continuously monitored with a pulse oximeter during transfer to the PACU and until discharge. Results: During transfer from the operating room to the PACU, 43.3% of patients had SpO₂ ≤94%, and 8.4% of these patients had SpO₂ <90%. Patients who developed desaturation had significantly higher mean age and body mass index (BMI) and lower preoperative SpO₂ values (P<0.001). Desaturation was significantly associated with female sex and the presence of chronic disease (P=0.032), whereas no significant association was found with smoking history or ASA score (P>0.05). In addition, desaturation was associated with general surgical procedures, the supine position, upper abdominal and thyroid surgeries, and the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (P<0.05). Conclusions: Approximately half of postoperative patients experienced SpO₂ ≤ 94% in the early postoperative period. Advanced age, higher BMI, lower preoperative SpO₂ values, comorbidities, upper abdominal and thyroid surgical incisions, and the use of respiratory-depressant neuromuscular agents were identified as key factors negatively affecting postoperative oxygen saturation.

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Cite This Article

Parlak, E. A., Ilkaz, N., Ayhan, H., İyigün, E. (2026). Determination of Factors Affecting Oxygen Saturation During Transfer From the Operating Room to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. The European Research Journal, Volume: 12 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.18621/eurj.1849232

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