Second Person Sedation Role — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyBehavioural Sciences & EthicsSecond Person Sedation RoleORE Part 1

During conscious sedation provided by an operator-sedationist, what is the primary role of the dental nurse acting as the second appropriate person?

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Correct answer: B — Monitor the sedated patient throughout the procedure

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · A = shown as B

A is correct. When sedation is provided by an operator-sedationist, SDCEP requires a second sedation-trained person to be present throughout and capable of monitoring the patient according to the technique used, as well as helping in a complication. Monitoring includes observation of consciousness and cardiorespiratory status, with appropriate instrumental monitoring for the technique. Assisting the procedure may be necessary at times, but it is not the nurse’s primary safety role. Telephone/reception work, instrument processing and routine record completion would divert the second person from continuous availability for patient observation and prompt response to deterioration.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme. Conscious Sedation in Dentistry, 3rd edition, Section 2.2 Staffing (2017; reviewed and unchanged December 2022). https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/iegenn4c/sdcep-conscious-sedation-guidance.pdf