Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

In the context of external transcutaneous pacing, sedation is administered on an as-needed basis for several important reasons. External pacing can be uncomfortable or even painful for the patient due to the electrical impulses delivered to stimulate the heart. Therefore, assessing the patient's level of discomfort and providing sedation when necessary can improve their experience during the procedure.

A standardized approach of uniformly sedating all patients prior to the procedure may not be ideal, as the need for sedation can vary based on individual patient tolerance levels and clinical scenarios. Factors such as a patient’s age, cognitive status, underlying medical conditions, and anxiety levels can influence how the procedure is experienced. Sedation "as needed" allows the healthcare provider to deliver appropriate care tailored to each patient’s specific situation.

It's also worth noting that if sedation were administered only upon request or exclusively for certain demographics (like elderly patients), this could potentially lead to unnecessary discomfort for patients who might require sedation but do not specifically vocalize their need. Therefore, assessing and providing sedation on an as-needed basis is the most effective and patient-centered approach during external transcutaneous pacing.