Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are common procedures most often utilizing monitored anesthesia care (MAC), primarily using propofol as the sedative. Propofol is regularly used due to its rapid onset and recovery profile, however, its narrow therapeutic window and dose dependent responses can cause adverse respiratory events. In patients with respiratory pathophysiology, obesity, or obstructive sleep apnea, these adverse events can be catastrophic. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective a2-adrenergic receptor agonist with anxiolytic, sedative, and modest analgesic properties, produces sedation with minimal respiratory depression. This case examines the adjunct use of DEX during upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and its impact on respiratory complications.

Author Details

Jon Austin Moore, DNP(c), BSN, RN; Amy Snow, DNP, CRNA

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Case Study/Series

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Dexmedetomidine, Conscious Sedation, Endoscopy, Respiratory Complication Reduction

Advisor

Terri M. Cahoon

Second Advisor

Amy Snow

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Samford University

Degree Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2026-03-18

Full Text of Presentation

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Additional Files

Abstract.pdf (130 kB)

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