Obstetrical patient postanesthesia management protocol.

There is current evidence that maternal surgery, ie, surgery performed during pregnancy (for any reason) and requiring an anesthetic, is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. The "Obstetrical Patient Management Protocol" details the behaviors and actions required by the postanesthesia nurse in providing quality care for the pregnant patient requiring surgery and/or anesthesia that is related or unrelated to her pregnancy.