Levels of Sedation Flashcards

Which ASA physical status classification describes a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life?

Answer: ASA IV

ASA IV describes a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life (e.g., recent MI less than 3 months, unstable angina, severe COPD).

Deep sedation differs from moderate sedation primarily in that:

Answer: Protective airway reflexes may be lost and rescue airway skills are required

Deep sedation places patients at risk of losing protective airway reflexes, requiring the operator to be trained in advanced airway management.

A patient whose Ramsay Sedation Score is 5 (sluggish response to a light glabellar tap) is in which level of sedation?

Answer: Deep sedation

Ramsay Score 5 (sluggish response to light stimulation only) corresponds to deep sedation on the ASA continuum.

The recovery criterion requiring patients to be discharged after office-based sedation is typically determined using the:

Answer: Modified Aldrete (or similar post-anesthesia) scoring system

The Modified Aldrete score evaluates activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation to determine safe discharge readiness.

Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION to in-office IV sedation?

Answer: Acute upper respiratory infection with productive cough and fever

Acute upper respiratory infection with fever increases secretions, airway irritability, and risk of laryngospasm/bronchospasm during sedation - a relative-to-absolute contraindication.

Which statement correctly describes the role of informed consent prior to sedation?

Answer: It is a process that documents the patient voluntary agreement after receiving information about risks, benefits, and alternatives

Informed consent is a process requiring disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives. The patient must voluntarily agree. It is required for ALL sedation modalities.