What is
conscious sedation?
This sedation type induces an altered state of consciousness that minimizes
pain and discomfort through the use of pain relievers and sedatives. Patients
who receive conscious sedation usually are able to speak and respond to verbal
cues throughout the procedure, communicating any discomfort they experience to
the provider. A brief period of amnesia may erase any memory of the procedure.
When is
conscious sedation administered?
Conscious sedation is administered in hospitals, outpatient facilities, e.g.,
ambulatory surgery centers, doctors offices, etc., to facilitate procedures
such as the following:
-
Breast biopsy
-
Vasectomy
-
Minor foot
surgery
-
Minor bone
fracture repair
-
Plastic/reconstructive
surgery
-
Dental
prosthetic/reconstructive surgery
-
Endoscopy
(example: diagnostic studies and treatment of stomach, colon and bladder)
Who can
administer conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is extremely safe when administered by qualified providers.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), anesthesiologists, other
physicians, dentists, and oral surgeons are qualified providers of conscious
sedation. Specifically trained registered nurses may assist in the
administration of conscious sedation.
Who should
monitor conscious sedation?
Because patients can slip into a deep sleep, proper monitoring of conscious
sedation is necessary. Healthcare providers monitor patient heart rate, blood
pressure, breathing, oxygen level and alertness throughout and after the
procedure. The provider who monitors the patient receiving conscious sedation
should have no other responsibilities during the procedure and should remain
with the patient at all times during the procedure.
What are the
side effects of conscious sedation?
A brief period of amnesia after the procedure may follow the administration of
conscious sedation. Occasional side effects include headache, hangover, nausea
and vomiting or unpleasant memories of the surgical experience.
What should
patients expect immediately following the surgical or diagnostic procedure?
A qualified provider monitors the patient immediately following the procedure.
Written postoperative care instructions should be given to the patient to take
home. Patients should not drive a vehicle, operate dangerous equipment or make
any important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving conscious
sedation. A follow-up phone call usually is made by the healthcare provider to
check on the patient's condition and answer any remaining questions.
Questions to
ask about conscious sedation
The following is a list of questions that patients should ask prior to the
surgical or diagnostic procedure:
-
Will a trained
and skilled provider be dedicated to monitoring me during conscious
sedation?
-
Will my
provider monitor my breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure?
-
Will oxygen be
available and will the oxygen content of my blood be monitored?
-
Are personnel
trained to perform advanced cardiac life support?
-
Is emergency
resuscitation equipment available on-site and immediately accessible in
the event of an emergency?
-
Will a trained
and skilled provider stay with me during my recovery period and for how
long?
-
Should a
friend or family member take me home?
Conscious sedation
provides a safe and effective option for patients undergoing minor surgeries
or diagnostic procedures. The number and type of procedures that can be
performed using conscious sedation have increased significantly as a result of
new technology and state of the art drugs.
Conscious sedation
allows patients to recover quickly and resume normal daily activities in a
short period of time.
If you would like
to order a brochure about conscious sedation, click here.
