Which of the following is a true requirement before procedural sedation?

• A. Pre-procedure assessment including history and physical, consent, and airway readiness
• B. Post-procedure Discharge Planning Only
• C. No Assessment Required
• D. Only Informed Consent Is Required

Answer: (A)

Safety in procedural sedation hinges on a thorough pre-procedure evaluation that plans for the entire perioperative period. This includes a proper history and focused physical to identify comorbidities and medications, an airway risk assessment to anticipate potential difficulties, obtaining informed consent to discuss risks and alternatives, and ensuring the team and equipment are ready for airway management and monitoring. Post-procedure discharge planning matters, but it does not replace the need for a pre-sedation assessment. Consent alone is not enough, and skipping assessment entirely is unsafe.