Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/20/2007

Question
How do you feel about nurses administering Propofol under the supervision of a physician in the emergency department? What would you recommend emergency departments use for conscious sedation in cardioversion patients?

Answer
The answer to both questions is controversial. First of all, are the nurses trained in the use of Prpofol for conscious sedation? Many hospitals allow physicians and nurses (who are not anesthesiologists) to administer anesthetics as you have mentioned.I personally don't like it (particularly if they can't manage the complications). As for cardioversion, it depends more on the patient and not the drug. I use different drugs for different indications.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston