Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Minimal sedation is a drug-induced state where the patient is minimally depressed in consciousness but can still independently maintain an airway and respond to commands and touch. While cognitive function and coordination might be slightly impaired, breathing and heart function remain normal. The drugs used should be safe enough to make accidental loss of consciousness unlikely. ²

Moderate sedation is a drug-induced state of depressed consciousness where the patient can purposefully respond to verbal commands, sometimes needing light touch to do so. In this state, the patient does not require assistance to keep their airway open, breathes adequately on their own, and their heart function is generally stable. Responding only with reflex withdrawal to pain does not qualify as moderate sedation. ²