Why is ambulation promoted in the PACU?

Ambulation in the PACU is primarily promoted to decrease the risk of thromboembolic events. After surgery, patients are often at an increased risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to prolonged periods of immobility. By encouraging patients to ambulate, even shortly after surgery, circulation is improved, which helps to prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the legs and reduces the likelihood of clot formation.

Additionally, promoting early ambulation has other important benefits that complement this primary goal—while the prevention of thromboembolic events is a significant concern, mobility can also facilitate faster recovery from anesthesia and help patients regain their functional abilities quicker, thus enhancing overall recovery. However, the main focus in the PACU setting is indeed on mitigating thromboembolic risks.