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How to Prevent Respiratory Compromise During Sedation

Studies suggest up to 69% of patients have evidence of respiratory compromise (RC) during sedation, which may progress to serious adverse events when unrecognized.1 In 2018, six procedural societies including the American Society of Anesthesiologists released practice guidelines to improve outcomes during moderate sedation2 (specific to oxygenation and ventilation).

Click here to watch a video on preventing RC during procedural sedation or to view the practice guidelines.

TOPIC: Respiratory Compromise

References:
1. Qadeer MA, Vargo JJ, Dumot JA, Lopez R, Trolli PA, Stevens T, Parsi MA, Sanaka MR, Zuccaro G. Capnographic monitoring of respiratory activity improves safety of sedation for endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and ultrasonography. Gastroenterology. 2009 May;136(5):1568-76
2. Practice Guidelines for Moderate Procedural Sedation and Analgesia 2018- A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Moderate Procedural Sedation and Analgesia, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Radiology, American Dental Association, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, and Society of Interventional Radiology.  Anesthesiology 2018, 128(3):437-479. https://anesthesia.bidmc.harvard.edu/Policies/clinical/ASA%20practice%20guidelines%202018%20Moderate%20sedation.pdf

About the Author

Greg Spratt BS RRT CPFT is a respiratory therapist and former Director of Market Development at Medtronic. Greg has over 25 years’ clinical experience working with respiratory compromise across the healthcare continuum, has published articles in numerous pulmonary journals and periodicals, and presented internationally on improving solutions for patients with breath difficulties.

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