Which of the following is NOT an intraoperative component?

• A. Performing anesthesia techniques
• B. Discharging the patient from PACU
• C. Selecting, applying monitoring techniques
• D. Managing airway and pulmonary status

Answer: (B)

Discharge from the PACU is not part of the intraoperative period; it occurs after the surgery during the postoperative recovery phase. Intraoperative care covers actions taken during the procedure itself: selecting and applying anesthesia techniques, establishing and maintaining the airway, and monitoring the patient’s physiology throughout the operation. The PACU is where patients recover from anesthesia after the procedure, and discharge from there happens once recovery criteria are met, which is post-op. That makes discharging from the PACU the component not occurring intraoperatively.