title: An overview of sedation for adult patients in hospital.
abstract: Sedatives may be administered to patients in the hospital setting to provide comfort and reduce anxiety and pain. A variety of sedative agents can be used depending on the circumstances and the type of sedation required. This article provides an overview of the different levels of sedation, the most common pharmacological agents, used and the potential side effects and complications. The importance of patient assessment is emphasised.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London. danielle.fullwood@kch.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fullwood
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sargent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007297:Inpatients; D007649:Ketamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008874:Midazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015742:Propofol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007649:Ketamine; D008140:Lorazepam; D003975:Diazepam; D008874:Midazolam; D015742:Propofol