Final answer:
Moderate sedation is a minimally depressed state of consciousness induced with medication, in which the patient can respond to stimuli but is breathing independently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of minimally depressed consciousness induced with medication, in which the patient is breathing independently and can respond to verbal and physical stimuli is called moderate sedation. This type of sedation is also known as conscious sedation or procedural sedation.
General anesthesia, on the other hand, is a deeper state of sedation that involves complete loss of consciousness, while deep sedation is a state between moderate sedation and general anesthesia. Minimal sedation refers to a very light sedation in which the patient is fully awake and alert.