What should be monitored continuously for patients under deep sedation?

Monitoring a patient's oxygen saturation continuously during deep sedation is crucial because it provides real-time data about the patient's respiratory function and overall oxygenation status. Deep sedation can compromise airway patency and respiratory drive, increasing the risk of hypoxemia. By keeping track of oxygen saturation levels, healthcare professionals can promptly identify any drops in oxygen levels and intervene quickly, ensuring patient safety throughout the sedation process.

While monitoring a patient's posture, dental concerns, and blood loss may be significant in certain contexts, they do not directly address vital parameters that impact the safety and effectiveness of sedation. Oxygen saturation is a clear indicator of how well oxygen is being delivered to the tissues, making it the primary focus during deep sedation monitoring.