If you start to write Post-Op orders within eight (8) hours of activation, you are prompted to indicate whether to add to the active post-op orders, or (if the patient has returned to surgery) start a new post-op session.
If you choose to add to the active orders, the new orders are active on signing. These orders print automatically in the PACU, as long as the patient is still there.
If you choose to start a new post-op session, the new orders are inactive on signing. When activated, the new orders supersede the previous set of active post-op orders.
Post-op orders written more than eight (8) hours after a set of post-op orders has been activated are included in a new order session. The assumption is that the patient is returning to the OR. The new orders are inactive on signing. When activated, the new orders supersede the previous set of active post-op orders.