Journal of intravenous nursing : the official publication of the Intravenous Nurses Society
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Review
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. ⋯ 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.