Book excerpt: Formerly titled THE RECOVERY ROOM, the 3rd Edition of this highly regarded work offers a strong, in-depth clinical focus. Research and documentation including physiologic, pharmacologic and psychosocial considerations have been incorporated into this edition. Discussion of the various types of anesthetic agents includes the physiology of action and the appropriate nursing interventions to be anticipated in the PACU. Addresses basic principles of pharmacology, monitoring modalities in the PACU, and postoperative care for pediatric, cardiac, trauma, AIDS, and hypothermia patients.