Word parts
What it means
Drugs such as benzodiazepineben-zoh-dy-AZ-uh-peenA group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.Full entry , opioids, propofol and dexmedetomidine calm a person and lower awareness. Levels range from minimal (relaxed, responds normally) through moderate (drowsy, responds to voice or light touch) and deep (hard to wake) to general anesthesia. It is used for procedures, for clients on ventilators and sometimes for agitation. Unwanted sedation is also a side effect of many drugs.
For the nurse
Check sedation level with a scale before giving more opioids or sedatives; increasing sleepiness comes before slowed breathing. Monitor breathing and oxygen saturation during procedural sedation, and keep reversal drugs (naloxone, flumazenil) and airway equipment ready.
At a glance
| Spanish | sedación |
|---|---|
| Also written | sedated, sedate |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
sedative-hypnotic
A drug that calms a person (sedative) or helps them fall asleep (hypnotic); the same drug can do either, depending on the dose.
anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.
benzodiazepine
A group of calming drugs that slow brain activity, used for anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sedation.