Final answer:
When providing moderate sedation for a patient, the anesthesia provider is expecting the patient to be able to maintain his or her own airway.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing moderate sedation for a patient, the anesthesia provider is:
B) Expecting the patient to be able to maintain his or her own airway. During moderate sedation, the patient is able to respond purposefully to verbal commands and does not require airway support. They are able to maintain their own airway and breathe on their own.
Other options:
A) Not permitted to use propofol - This is not true. Anesthesia providers may use propofol as part of a sedation regimen.
C) Not required to record vital signs as often as for other anesthetics - This is not true. Vital signs should be monitored regularly during sedation.
D) Not required to perform a physical exam prior to the case - This is not true. A pre-procedure physical exam is necessary to assess the patient's suitability for sedation.
E) None of the above - This is not the correct answer as option B is correct.