title: Ask the expert: conscious sedation.
abstract: The case study illustrates safe use of conscious sedation and careful attention to prevention of complications as outlined in the AAP and ASA practice guidelines. Before implementation of a conscious sedation program, care providers need to have a clear idea of the goals of conscious sedation. These goals, as described by the American Academy of Pediatrics (1992) are: "1) to guard the patient's safety and welfare; 2) to minimize physical discomfort or pain; 3) to minimize negative psychologic responses to treatment by providing analgesia and to maximize the potential for amnesia; 4) to control behavior; and 5) to return the patient to a state in which safe discharge, as determined by recognized criteria, is possible" (p. 1,110). With careful attention to these goals, conscious sedation can be a valuable adjunct to pediatric care.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, Rochester, MN., USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Gudlin
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Winch
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kochevar
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam; D010371:Pediatric Nursing
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008874:Midazolam