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Obstructive sleep apnea sedation complication — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModeratePulmonary emergenciesObstructive sleep apnea sedation complicationABEM Board

A 56-year-old man with obesity is recovering after shoulder reduction with procedural sedation. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 138/82 mm Hg, HR 86/min, SpO2 falls to 82%. He is snoring, has poor chest rise, and improves briefly with jaw thrust. Capnography shows hypoventilation. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Perform airway repositioning and provide bag-mask ventilation

Post-sedation hypoventilation requires immediate airway maneuvers and assisted ventilation while monitoring ventilation.

Reference: ACEP Procedural Sedation and Analgesia clinical policy