A client is considering a minor surgical procedure and asks the difference between conscious sedation and general anesthesia. What response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conscious sedation is often used for minor surgical or diagnostic procedures. Using a combination of short-acting sedatives, the client maintains consciousness, but is drowsy. Clients can protect their own airways and follow commands and may have amnesia for the event. While telling the client he or she will be conscious the whole time is technically accurate it does not let the client know about the sedation. A regional anesthetic will block pain in larger areas of the body. Losing sensation and movement happens after spinal anesthesia.

A Client Is Considering a Minor Surgical Procedure and Asks