Conscious Sedation: What Patients Should Expect
What is Conscious Sedation?
This type of sedation 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.
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 may 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 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.
