There are a number of factors that prolong patients’ stay in the recovery room (RR), which are related to system or clinical issues. However, less has been discovered from the RR nurses about reasons for prolonged patient stay and recommendations to solve this issue. Prolonged patient stay of more than 2 hours in the RR interferes with the primary role of the RR nurse, which is to provide care to immediate postanaesthesia patients. Consequently, this could affect the operating room schedule, normal flow of patients to the RR and discharge to the nursing units.

The aim of this case report is to present the rare yet devastating complication of post-thoracotomy paraplegia and to raise awareness of the causative factors, as well as to discuss the nursing observation for prompt and effective clinical management in order to achieve successful healthcare outcomes. This case was secondary to the use of haemostatic agents during thoracotomy, and delayed post-operative identification of complication and management leading to long-term spinal cord impairment. Routine neurologic assessment focusing on movement and sensation of the extremities is recommended post-operatively to detect the potential complications as early as possible.