Risk Assessment

Evaluation of patient risk is a critical aspect of the presedation phase of care. For scheduled procedures and tests, information obtained during the prescreening process is incorporated into the formal assessment of the patient at the time of the procedure. If the prescreening process has been sufficiently rigorous, the patient is likely to be appropriately prepared for sedation and the day-of-procedure evaluation (procedure screen) should be able to be done quickly, efficiently, and safely. The presedation evaluation represents the final step prior to the initiation of sedation. This is where all interval information and findings are fused to develop the overall sedation plan. Appropriate integration of a rigorous prescreening process with a careful presedation review allows for the most comprehensive and safe approach to pediatric procedural sedation. Specific patient conditions that pose additional significant risk during procedural sedation are further discussed.