What should the nursing assessment of respiratory status during sedation include?

The nursing assessment of respiratory status during sedation is crucial because sedation can significantly impact a patient's ability to maintain adequate respiratory function. By assessing respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) at least every 5 minutes, the nurse can effectively monitor for signs of respiratory depression, a common risk associated with sedation.

This monitoring helps to ensure that the patient maintains proper ventilation and oxygenation, allowing for timely interventions if respiratory deterioration is noted. Close attention to these parameters is essential to identify any complications early, thus enhancing patient safety. This practice aligns with established guidelines for monitoring sedation, emphasizing the importance of regular and frequent assessments of respiratory status.

The other options focus on different aspects of patient assessment, such as cardiovascular status or hydration, which, while important, do not specifically address the critical monitoring required for respiratory function during sedation. Therefore, the chosen approach appropriately prioritizes respiratory assessment, reinforcing the necessity of vigilance in the context of moderate sedation.