Intravenous conscious sedation. Physiologic, pharmacologic, and legal implications for nurses.

Nurses with proper additional training can safely assist in the care of patients receiving intravenous conscious sedation for a variety of procedures. Sedation exists along a continuum, with subtle differences between lighter and deeper levels of sedation. The primary goal of conscious sedation is to achieve a minimally sedated patient with intact protective airway reflexes. Pharmacologic agents may provide anxiolysis, amnesia, sedation, or analgesia. Legal considerations, policy development, and educational requirements for nurses choosing to practice in this expanded role are examined.