Patients are monitored throughout the procedure and during recovery.
All patients receiving intravenous sedation must have:
- continuous waveform pulse oximetry to monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation, with appropriate audible patient alarms
- regular monitoring of blood pressure throughout the procedure (every 5 minutes at a minimum)
- oxygen and equipment to deliver supplemental oxygen via high flow, nasal prongs or mask
- capnography and electrocardiogram (ECG) immediately available, in case it's needed
- capnography in cases of moderate sedation, especially where there is risk of unintended deep sedation (includes all occasions where propofol is used)
- regular observations, including the level of sedation, recorded on an appropriate sedation record.
Observations should be recorded in an intra-procedure sedation record.
Example intra-procedural sedation records are available on the Safe Procedural Sedation SharePoint site. Email ACI-Anaesthesia@health.nsw.gov.au to request access.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) recommends intra-procedure records are maintained as near to the timing of administration of medications as possible. Regular readings should be maintained during the intra-procedure and recovery phase.
Resources
PG06(A) Guideline on the anaesthesia record 2020
Guidance on documenting and recording episodes of sedation.
Source: Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists