Sedating Endo Patients, Staffing an OR
Re: "Ask the Experts" (August, page 22). There is general consensus on the definition of conscious sedation, commonly called moderate sedation, that the major accrediting agencies use: "a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained." (AAAHC 2004 Handbook) This definition doesn't mention specific drugs because sedation is a continuum and you can use any of the drugs mentioned in the answer for mild, moderate or deep sedation. Clearly propofol falls into the deep sedation or general anesthesia definition. Nursing license and state nurse practice acts generally restrict RNs from administering deep sedation or general anesthesia unless they're also CRNAs. A joint position statement of the ASGE and SGNA on sedation (go to writeOutLink("www.sgna.org",1)) further clarifies RNs' responsibilities.