Procedural Sedation Practice Exam

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of respiratory complications during procedural sedation because the airway is more prone to collapse, and sedation further relaxes the airway muscles and dampens protective reflexes. This combination makes partial or complete airway obstruction more likely, leading to hypoventilation, desaturation, and episodes of apnea even with modest sedative doses. Patients with OSA often have reduced respiratory reserve and may also have other related health issues that raise risk, so careful planning, minimal effective sedation, and vigilant monitoring are essential. In contrast, being young with healthy lungs, having a normal BMI, or having no comorbidities are associated with better baseline respiratory function and lower risk during sedation.