Gastroenterology nursing : the official journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Supplemental oxygen during moderate sedation and the occurrence of clinically significant desaturation during endoscopic procedures.
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is the method of choice for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Moderate sedation is commonly used to sedate patients for endoscopic procedures. The objective of this study is to determine whether supplemental oxygen administered prior to and during moderate sedation decreases episodes of clinically significant oxygen desaturation in adults undergoing endoscopic procedures. ⋯ The results of this study support the routine use of supplemental oxygen (2 liters/minute) during endoscopic procedures to prevent desaturation. On the basis of the study data, it is recommended that patients undergoing endoscopy with moderate sedation, who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study, receive supplemental oxygen (2 L/min). Routine incorporation of this recommendation in hospital policies will ensure that patients routinely receive this preventive measure: supplemental oxygen during moderate sedation and the occurrence of clinically significant desaturation during endoscopic procedures.