Criteria for discharge from the ICU after cardiac surgery

Brain	Neurologic function at baseline; any delirium resolved; pain controlled with oral medications.
Heart	Blood pressure controlled; arrythmias controlled (atrial fibrillation is acceptable as long as rate is controlled); invasive monitoring removed, native pacemaker function even if still epicardially paced.
Lungs	Roentgenographic abnormalities resolving, minimal oxygen requirement.
Gastrointestinal tract	Able to tolerate enteral nutrition.
Kidneys	Urine output adequate (>0.5 mL/kg), urinary catheter removed.
Endocrine	Off insulin infusion.
Hematologic	No high chest tube output.
Musculoskeletal	Ambulating several times per day.
Lines, drains, catheters	Mediastinal drains removed, PAC removed.

ICU: intensive care unit; PAC: pulmonary artery catheter.

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