ALNSF

Conscious sedation:

A controlled slight reduction in level of consciousness. Protective airway reflexes, such as coughing remain intact. The patient is able to maintain an open airway and responds to verbal and physical stimuli. Conscious sedation levels can be graded further as:

- Patient is awake the whole time
- Patient is drowsy, but can be easily aroused

Deep sedation:

A reduced level of consciousness and partial lack of protective reflexes. The patient is often unable to maintain an open airway the whole time. The patient may respond to verbal or physical stimuli.

General anesthesia:

A total lack of consciousness and partial or total lack of protective reflexes. The patient is often unable to maintain an open airway.