This second in a two-part series reviews sedation implementation and monitoring.

Takeaways: 

  • Signs and symptoms of airway obstruction during procedural sedation include increased respiratory effort, sternal retraction, rocking chest motion, inspiratory stridor, hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and absence of breath sounds. 
  • Use of a sedation airway management algorithm can aid in immediate recognition of airway obstruction and management. 
This article is available to American Nurses Association members and ANJ subscribers only.
Already a member? Log in here