Resedation
Resedation is the practice of administering additional sedative and analgesic medications to a patient who has already been sedated, either after initial effects wear off or to maintain immobility and comfort for a procedure or ongoing care. It is common in anesthesia recovery, critical care, interventional suites, and dentistry.
Indications include management of pain, anxiety, agitation, and intolerance of a procedure, as well as the need
Choices of agents vary by setting and goals. Short-acting drugs such as propofol and dexmedetomidine are favored
Safety relies on continuous monitoring of airway, breathing, circulation, and level of sedation. Monitoring tools include
Risks of resedation include oversedation, respiratory depression, hypoxemia, hypotension, delirium, and prolonged hospitalization. Medication interactions and
Special considerations apply in pediatrics and in patients with critical illness. Protocols often emphasize the lowest
Resedation remains a common but carefully managed component of patient care, aiming to achieve adequate comfort