Procedural sedation has numerous benefits for patients and staff, including decreased stress and fear levels, better diagnostic results and increased safety and efficiency. Here are 5 tips from Kate Lafferty, BFA, RLAT, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), for implementing procedural sedation to optimize patient care. Watch the Step by Step video below, sponsored by Dechra.
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1. Tailor the sedation protocol for each patient
Consider the patient’s temperament, age, pain status, and comorbidities when determining their sedation protocol. Your plan for a wiggly puppy needing x-rays will differ from a geriatric, fractious German shepherd with arthritis who needs an ultrasound.
2. Consider the procedure
When deciding on the drug (or drugs) to use, consider the procedure. How long will the process take? Will the procedure be painful or uncomfortable for the patient? Determining these factors can help you choose a drug that will sedate the patient for the appropriate time and level.
3. Titrate to effect
To minimize potential side effects, titrate to effect. You can always administer more medication, if necessary, but you can’t subtract medication if you oversedate the patient. Also, consider that titration is easier with intravenous access via a catheter.
4. Limit external stimulation
Limit external stimulation by covering the patient’s eyes, placing earplugs, minimizing noise in the treatment area, and padding the patient to keep them as comfortable as possible during the procedure. This helps prevent the need for additional drugs.
5. Monitor the patient carefully
Procedural sedation alters the patient’s consciousness, and they need careful monitoring. At a minimum, you should use a pulse oximeter, monitor their temperature, and monitor their vital signs hands-on. Also, consider non-invasively measuring blood pressure.