Definition and Incidence of Adverse Events

To perform effective and safe procedural sedation, one must be knowledgeable about the adverse events that can occur with the administration of various sedatives and analgesics. Adverse events (sometimes thought of as complications of care) are often predictable if the sedationist properly assesses the patient’s physiologic and psychological conditions and understands the side effects of the medications administered and the procedural conditions that may exacerbate risk. With such preparation, the sedationist can monitor for the event and can either prevent it or provide supportive care in a timely manner. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other national organizations have developed guidelines for caring for patients requiring procedural sedation with the intent of informing sedationists of the risks involved in sedation care and the skills and equipment needed to ameliorate or prevent patient harm. Adverse events can be classified as minor, moderate, and major.