| Type |
Definition |
Signs |
Notes |
| Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis) |
A drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. |
- Normal response to verbal stimulation
- Airway unaffected
- Spontaneous ventilation unaffected
- Cardiovascular function unaffected
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| Moderate Sedation/Analgesia "Consious Sedation" |
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. |
- Purposeful response to verbal or tactile stimulation
- No airway intervention required
- Spontaneous ventilation adequate
- Cardiovascular function usually maintained
|
Reflex withdrawal from a painful stimulus is NOT considered a purposeful response. Practitioners involved with moderate sedation must be prepared to "rescue" from deep sedation. |
| Deep Sedation/Analgesia |
A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. |
- Purposeful response following repeated or painful stimulation
- Airway intervention may be required
- Spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate
- Cadiovascular function usually maintained
|
Reflex withdrawal from a painful stimulus is NOT considered a purposeful response. Providers of deep sedation/analgesia must be prepared to "rescue" from general anesthesia. |
| General Anesthesia |
A drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired. |
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