CSC CSC Sedation Equipment & Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which oxygen delivery device provides the HIGHEST reliable inspired oxygen concentration for a spontaneously breathing patient experiencing desaturation during conscious sedation?
- Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
- Simple face mask at 8 L/min
- Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min (Correct answer)
- Venturi mask at 24%
Correct answer: Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
A non-rebreather mask with a reservoir bag at 15 L/min delivers 90–95% FiO2, the highest concentration achievable without positive pressure in a spontaneously breathing patient.
Question 2: What is the correct technique for verifying IV patency before administering sedation medications?
- Ask the patient if the site feels comfortable
- Aspirate for blood return and flush with normal saline, observing for swelling or resistance (Correct answer)
- Visually inspect the insertion site only
- Check the drip rate of the maintenance IV fluid
Correct answer: Aspirate for blood return and flush with normal saline, observing for swelling or resistance
Aspirating for blood return and flushing while observing for infiltration confirms IV patency and prevents extravasation of sedation drugs.
Question 3: During conscious sedation, the pulse oximeter probe on the patient's finger shows a low signal quality alert. What should the nurse do FIRST?
- Document the alert and continue the procedure
- Reposition or replace the probe to restore reliable signal before continuing (Correct answer)
- Rely on visual skin color assessment instead
- Increase the supplemental oxygen flow rate
Correct answer: Reposition or replace the probe to restore reliable signal before continuing
A low-quality SpO2 signal is unreliable; repositioning or replacing the probe ensures continuous valid oxygenation monitoring required during sedation.
Question 4: Which piece of emergency equipment must be physically present and operational in the room during every conscious sedation procedure?
- Intubation tray with laryngoscope and endotracheal tubes (Correct answer)
- Defibrillator/AED only
- Portable chest X-ray machine
- Blood gas analyzer
Correct answer: Intubation tray with laryngoscope and endotracheal tubes
An intubation tray with a functional laryngoscope and appropriately sized ETT must be immediately available in case the patient requires airway rescue during sedation.
Question 5: What is the primary advantage of using a nasal cannula with capnography sampling port during conscious sedation?
- It delivers higher oxygen concentrations than a face mask
- It simultaneously provides supplemental oxygen AND monitors exhaled CO2 (Correct answer)
- It is more comfortable than a standard nasal cannula
- It prevents rebreathing of CO2
Correct answer: It simultaneously provides supplemental oxygen AND monitors exhaled CO2
Combination nasal cannulae with ETCO2 sampling allow continuous capnography without interrupting supplemental oxygen delivery.
Question 6: How frequently should automatic blood pressure readings be obtained during active conscious sedation per standard practice guidelines?
- Every 30 seconds
- At least every 5 minutes (Correct answer)
- Every 15 minutes
- Only at the beginning and end of the procedure
Correct answer: At least every 5 minutes
ASPAN and ASA guidelines recommend blood pressure assessment at minimum every 5 minutes during conscious sedation to detect hemodynamic changes promptly.
CSC CSC Sedation Equipment & Technology 2
Which oxygen delivery device provides the HIGHEST reliable inspired oxygen concentration for a spontaneously breathing patient experiencing desaturation during conscious sedation?