Individuals administering moderate or deep sedation and anesthesia are qualified and have the appropriate credentials to manage patients at whatever level of sedation or anesthesia is achieved, either intentionally or unintentionally. Practitioners who have appropriate credentials and are permitted to administer deep sedation are qualified to rescue patients from general anesthesia and are competent to manage an unstable cardiovascular system as well as a compromised airway and inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Appropriate equipment for care and resuscitation is available. Heart rate and oxygenation are continuously monitored by pulse oximetry. Respiratory frequency and adequacy of pulmonary ventilation are continually monitored.
Blood pressure is measured at regular intervals.
EKG is monitored in patients with significant cardiovascular disease or when dysrhythmias are anticipated or detected. The patient s response to care provided throughout the sedation-supported procedure is documented in the patient s record. Outcomes of patients undergoing moderate and deep sedation are collected and analyzed in the aggregate in order to identify opportunities to improve care. A pre-sedation or preanesthesia assessment is performed for each patient before beginning moderate or deep sedation and before anesthesia induction. Hospitals providing obstetric or emergency operative services can provide anesthesia services within approximately 30 minutes after anesthesia is deemed necessary.