The patient has presented to the ambulatory surgery center to have a colonoscopy. The patient is scheduled to receive moderate sedation (conscious sedation) during the procedure. How will the nurse interpret this information?

A) The procedure results in loss of sensation in an area of the body.
B) The procedure requires a depressed level of consciousness.
C) The procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis.
D) The procedure necessitates the patient to be immobile.

Moderate Sedation

A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation, without interventions to maintain a patent airway.

Colonoscopy

A diagnostic medical procedure using a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the interior lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities.

Conscious Sedation

Administration of central nervous system–depressant drugs and/or analgesics to provide analgesia, relieve anxiety, and/or provide amnesia during surgical, diagnostic, or interventional procedures.