Which parameter changes from deep sedation to general anesthesia?

• A. Ventilatory support increases from Limited to Full
• B. Monitoring decreases from Full to Limited
• C. Oxygen concentration decreases
• D. Intubation becomes less likely

Answer: (A)

When moving from deep sedation to general anesthesia, airway management and the need for ventilatory support shift markedly. Deep sedation often allows spontaneous breathing with only limited ventilatory assistance, while general anesthesia typically removes spontaneous respiration and airway reflexes, requiring endotracheal intubation and full, controlled mechanical ventilation. That’s why ventilatory support increases from limited to full.

Other aspects don’t fit the change as well: monitoring is usually intensified under general anesthesia, not reduced; oxygen concentration is carefully managed and often maintained at higher levels but isn’t the defining change here; and intubation becomes more likely, not less, under general anesthesia.