[Verified Answer]: A patient in the ICU is about to have a…

A patient in the ICU is about to have a medical procedure performed at the bedside. After the patient has signed the consent form, she asks what comfort measures will be administered during the procedure. You tell her that she will be receiving conscious sedation. She does not understand what this means. How would you explain what conscious sedation is and how it will make her more comfortable during the procedure? In preparation for the procedure, what should the respiratory therapist have available to maintain the patient’s airway?