The change specifically relates to ventilation methods: “During regional anesthesia (with no sedation) or local anesthesia (with no sedation), the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation of qualitative clinical signs. During moderate or deep sedation the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation of qualitative clinical signs and monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide unless precluded or invalidated by the nature of the patient, procedure, or equipment.”
According to the ASA, the intent of the revision is to ensure that during moderate or deep sedation (regardless of location), the adequacy of ventilation be evaluated by both continual observation of qualitative clinical signs and by monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide.
View the revised Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring (pdf).
Learn more about the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
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