Ask HRC: Postoperative Monitoring following Conscious Sedation

A Healthcare Risk Control (HRC) System member recently inquired about recommendations for postoperative monitoring and care of patients who receive midazolam before or during surgical procedures. Specifically, the member asked, is there a length of time that the patient should be monitored and attended before resuming normal activity?

Midazolam, which is marketed under several brand names, is a fast-acting drug that is used to achieve sedation and anxiolysis during conscious sedation. Administration of midazolam should involve slow and careful titration to the...