What it means
An IV general anesthetic and sedative that works within about a minute and wears off within minutes after it is stopped. It is used for the inductionin-DUK-shunThe starting of a process on purpose, such as bringing on labor or putting a client under anesthesia.Full entry and maintenance of general anesthesiaJEN-er-ul an-es-THEE-zhuhDrug-induced loss of consciousness and feeling over the whole body, so a person feels nothing and is not aware during surgery.an- withoutesthesi/o feeling, sensation-ia conditionFull entry , for procedural sedation and for sedation in intensive care. It looks milky white because it is mixed in a fat emulsion. It often lowers blood pressure and can stop breathing, so it is given only where the airway can be managed. It does not relieve pain.
For the nurse
Monitor breathing, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and level of sedation continuously. The fat emulsion lets germs grow, so use strict aseptic technique and throw away vials and tubing at the times the label and policy set. Pain at the injection site is common. With long infusions, follow triglyceride levels.
At a glance
| Drug class | general anesthetic; sedative-hypnotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Diprivan |
| Spanish | propofol |
| Also written | Diprivan |
Related terms
sedation
A calm, relaxed or sleepy state brought on by drugs, or the use of drugs to cause it.
general anesthesia
Drug-induced loss of consciousness and feeling over the whole body, so a person feels nothing and is not aware during surgery.
induction
The starting of a process on purpose, such as bringing on labor or putting a client under anesthesia.