Anesthesia · single question
A patient is conscious and can perceive light during a dental procedure. This corresponds to which level of sedation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Moderate sedation (conscious sedation)
- A. ❌ Minimal sedation = awake, fully cooperative, responds normally to verbal commands — patient is not depressed.
- B. ❌ General anesthesia = complete loss of consciousness and all protective reflexes.
- C. ❌ Deep sedation = cannot be easily aroused, may lose protective reflexes.
- D. ✅ Correct. Moderate sedation (conscious sedation) = depressed consciousness where the patient RESPONDS PURPOSEFULLY to verbal commands and can perceive sensory stimuli (e.g., sees lights). Protective airway reflexes remain intact.