{"id":35737,"date":"2024-10-17T13:53:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T13:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=35737"},"modified":"2025-04-21T13:56:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:56:05","slug":"5-tips-for-improving-patient-care-with-procedural-sedation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/sponsored\/5-tips-for-improving-patient-care-with-procedural-sedation\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Improving Patient Care With Procedural Sedation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brought to you by Dechra \u2022 www.Zenalpha.us<\/a><\/p>\n

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1. Tailor the sedation protocol for each patient<\/b><\/span>
\nConsider the patient\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Consider the procedure<\/b><\/span>
\nWhen 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Titrate to effect
\n<\/b><\/span>To minimize potential side effects, titrate to effect. You can always administer more medication, if necessary, but you can\u2019t subtract medication if you oversedate the patient. Also, consider that titration is easier with intravenous access via a catheter.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Limit external stimulation
\n<\/b><\/span>Limit external stimulation by covering the patient\u2019s 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Monitor the patient carefully
\n<\/b><\/span>Procedural sedation alters the patient\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n