Question

what would be the most efficient way to monitor a patient's vitals signs while under the influence of sedation?

Answer 1

Basic requirements for monitoring sedated patients are EKG, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, patient responsiveness, blood pressure and pulse oximetry.

Monitoring methods of respiration: Direct observation, auscultation, capnography and EKG analysis.

Monitoring methods of EKG:

Monitoring EKG continuously should be necessary for ischemia and arrhythmias (possible sign of hypercarbia and acidosis).

The patient’s underlying rhythm pre-procedure review monitoring was important (pacemaker, atrial fibrillation and bradycardia) and it can helps to understand patient rhythms change under sedation.

Oxygen saturation: It is a critical vital sign and it can be monitored though direct ventilation observation, end-tidal CO(2) monitoring and by auscultation.

Blood Pressure monitoring: During the process of blood pressure monitoring, we should remember is not a continuous patient monitoring as for oxygen saturation, heart rate and respiratory rate. For every 5–15 min usually blood pressure was monitored and the automated blood pressure monitoring every 5 min.

Refeence:

American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Sedation and Analgesia by Non-Anesthesiologists: practice guidelines for sedation and analgesia by non-anesthesiologists. Anesthesiology 2002;96:1004–1017.