deep sedation


deep sedation

A depressed level of consciousness produced by medications that suppress anxiety, awareness, memory, or pain, in which a patient may not be able to protect his own airway, arouse easily, or respond purposefully to verbal commands or physical stimulation.

Patient care

During deep sedation patients require intensive monitoring of vital signs and neurological status. The patient's airway, breathing, oxygenation, pulse, and blood pressure must be carefully and repeatedly assessed to avoid complications such as anoxic or hypoxic damage to internal organs or cardiorespiratory arrest.

See also: sedation