Moderate Adverse Events

The incidence of sedation-related adverse events depends on (1) the medications used; (2) the type, duration, invasiveness, and location of the procedure; and (3) patient factors (e.g., age, medical condition, psychological factors). For the purposes of this chapter, moderate adverse sedation-related events represent physiologic change that is extremely likely to lead to significant patient harm if unnoticed or responded to ineffectively by the sedationist. Apnea, airway obstruction, and laryngospasm are examples. The relative likelihood of events of this type (1 of every 400 sedation episodes) provides significant impetus for effective preparation and training so that sedationists can effectively respond to these adverse events or preempt them. Even though they are categorized as “moderate” and may not be associated with harm in and of themselves, these events may certainly progress to produce significant harm.