Introduction: Patients are kept in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) until their condition is stabilized before transfer to their respective ward, or high dependency or intensive care unit. Prolonged length of stay in the PACU leads to unwanted congestion, poor patient care and patient dissatisfaction. The aim of this audit was to determine the incidence and to identify the factors that lead to delay discharge from our PACU due to late arrival of receiving nurse from respective clinical areas. Methods: This audit was conducted over a 5-week period from from March 26 to April 30, 2023. Patients were considered ready for discharge from PACU after they had achieved a satisfactory Aldrete score of ≥ 9.0. If the receiving nurse arrived more than 15 min late after being called, it was considered as delayed transfer. The data obtained have been expressed in tables as frequencies and percentage. Results: A total of 147 patients admitted to our PACU over the 5-week study period. Majority of patients, 81/147 (55.1%), had prolonged length of stay in the PACU because of late arrival of receiving nurse. 76.5% (62/81) of nurses who came late to PACU, could not give any reason for their late arrival. Of the 19 nurses who gave reasons, the most common cause was high work load in the wards and shift change time. This accounted for 42.1% (8/19). Conclusion: Proportion of delayed discharge of patients from our PACU was significant. Receiving nurse related delays contributed for a considerable extension of a patient's time in PACU. Understanding and addressing the causes of delayed discharge from PACU is essential and remedial steps should be incorporated to iron-out these lapses.

Background: Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous tumors affecting women of reproductive age. Knowledge and awareness about uterine fibroids are essential for early detection and appropriate management. However, there is limited information regarding the level of knowledge among women in Himachal Pradesh, India, regarding uterine fibroids and their complications. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh. The study included 400 women aged above 18 years. A convenience sampling technique was used, and participants completed a questionnaire assessing their knowledge regarding uterine fibroids. Data were analyzed using Epi Info V7 software. Results: The study revealed varying levels of knowledge among the participants. Approximately 76% of participants correctly understood the term "uterine fibroids," and 61.25% were aware that uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths. Knowledge regarding signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term effects of uterine fibroids varied. Participants demonstrated relatively lower knowledge about contributing factors, hormonal medication management, and available resources for uterine fibroids. Rural participants had slightly lower knowledge scores compared to urban participants. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved knowledge and awareness among women regarding uterine fibroids and their complications. Targeted educational interventions and awareness campaigns are essential to bridge the knowledge gap. Healthcare providers and policymakers should focus on disseminating accurate information, emphasizing preventive measures, early detection, and available treatment options. Additionally, creating support networks and resources for women dealing with uterine fibroids can enhance overall well-being and quality of life.

It is well appreciated that Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) can be a peripheral nervous system (PNS) complication of COVID-19. All subtype of GBS have been reported in association with SARS-CoV-2 infections. SARS-CoV-2 associated GBS should be diagnosed according to the Brighton criteria where one condition is the dissociation cyto-albuminique. If patients diagnosed with GBS have pleocytosis and additionally develop impaired consciousness, alternative diagnoses should be adequately ruled out. One of these differential diagnoses is infectious or immune encephalitis. Cerebral imaging with contrast medium and extensive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations are required to rule out or confirm encephalitis. Before diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 related GBS, all differential diagnoses need to adequately rule out.