Levels of Sedation Flashcards

According to the ASA continuum, which level of sedation is characterized by loss of consciousness with inability to be aroused even by painful stimulation?

Answer: General anesthesia

General anesthesia is defined by unarousability, loss of protective airway reflexes, and requirement for airway support.

A patient under moderate sedation (conscious sedation) should be able to:

Answer: Maintain spontaneous ventilation and respond purposefully to verbal commands

The defining features of moderate sedation are purposeful response to verbal or light tactile stimulation and maintenance of spontaneous ventilation.

Which factor most commonly causes unintended deepening of sedation beyond the intended level?

Answer: Synergistic drug interactions when combining opioids and benzodiazepines

Combining opioids and benzodiazepines produces synergistic CNS and respiratory depression, significantly increasing the risk of deeper-than-intended sedation.

The purpose of pre-sedation fasting (NPO) guidelines before IV sedation is to:

Answer: Reduce gastric volume and acidity, lowering aspiration risk during sedation

NPO guidelines reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration by lowering gastric volume. The ASA recommends fasting from solids for 6 hours and clear liquids for 2 hours before sedation.

During moderate IV sedation, which monitoring parameter is MANDATORY throughout the procedure?

Answer: Continuous pulse oximetry and blood pressure at regular intervals

Continuous pulse oximetry and regular blood pressure monitoring are the minimum mandatory requirements for moderate sedation.

When should the anesthesia record (sedation chart) be completed?

Answer: Contemporaneously during the procedure, recording vitals at least every 5 minutes

Vital signs must be recorded in real time during sedation at minimum every 5 minutes. The anesthesia record is a legal document and must be accurate and contemporaneous.