The goal of I.V. conscious sedation/ analgesia is to help you feel relaxed and to be comfortable during the procedure.
You will not be “knocked out” or asleep. As the name implies, you will be conscious and able to talk to the nurse or physician. You may notice that your speech is slurred however, this does not occur in all patients. You should feel relaxed and at ease. You may not remember any parts of the conversation or the procedure.
You will be able to breathe and swallow without assistance. You will be able to respond to the requests/instructions of the nurse or physician.
Please notify the physician immediately if you have ever had problems with sedation in the past.
Preparing for I.V. Conscious Sedation/Analgesia
If you are having I.V. Conscious Sedation, you must make prior arrangements to have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you. If you do not have a driver, we will be unable to administer I.V. Sedation to you.
You should not have anything to eat or drink six (6) hours prior to the procedure. If your usual medications include medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. you should take these medications with a small sip of water. If you have questions about taking medications, please ask to a nurse for further guidance.
During the Procedure
When you arrive at the facility, a nurse will ask you questions about your medical history, medications, allergies, and prior experiences with I.V. Conscious Sedation.
An IV will be started and remain in place until you are ready for discharge. The nurse will administer sedating medication through the IV.
During the procedure you will receive supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula as a safety precaution. You will be connected to monitoring equipment to ensure that your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen content remain stable.
A nurse will be with you the entire time to administer medication, assist you and to ensure your comfort and well being. Please feel free to ask the nurse for any assistance.
After the Procedure
You will need to remain a minimum of one hour after the last dose of sedating medication.
While you are recovering, the nurse will continue to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level.
When your driver arrives, the driver will receive discharge instructions and must sign that he/she understands the instructions.
For twelve (12) hours after sedation, you should not:
- Operate machinery
- Take charge of another individual
- Sign important papers or make important decisions
- Consume alcoholic beverages
Possible Side Effects
- A very small number of patients experience mild nausea. This should not persist. If the nausea persists, please notify your physician.
- If you experience redness or swelling at the IV site, please apply warm moist soaks to the area. If this does not relieve the redness or swelling, please notify your physician.
If you are planning on receiving sedation:
- You must have a driver.
- You cannot have anything to eat or drink within 6 hours of the planned procedure.
This is for your safety!