Preparing for Your Child's Sedation Procedure

We are proud to offer timely and efficient appointments, usually within three days of request. After you schedule an appointment, you will receive a phone call to complete sedation screening, answer questions and provide fasting instructions for your child. Before each procedure or sedation service, a team of specialists works with the patient's family to determine the appropriate plan for the patient's sedation.

Can my child eat before the procedure?

Having an empty stomach before sedation is very important for your child's safety. Your child's appointment will be rescheduled if you have not followed the specified restrictions. A sedation nurse the evening before your appointment to be given instructions regarding food and drink restrictions. Restrictions to your child's diet before a sedated procedure are as follows:

6 Hours Before Procedure

• Stop all solid foods
• Stop all liquids you cannot see through (this includes milk and formula)

4 Hours Before Procedure

• Stop breast milk

2 Hours Before Procedure

• Stop all clear liquids (including water, apple juice or Pedialyte)

What should my child wear?

Dress your child in comfortable clothing and try to avoid metal snaps, buttons, zippers and glitter/gem designs. Girls should not wear eye make‐up or mascara. These materials can interfere with some procedures performed under sedation. If necessary, your child will be asked to change into a hospital gown prior to the procedure.

During a procedure, critical care specialists can provide intravenous medications to maintain a level of sedation appropriate for your child’s test or treatment. The state-of-the-art monitoring capabilities at Comer Children's ensure that sedation is administered safely and effectively.

Each patient's team of specialists includes: a pediatric critical care physician, a nurse who specializes in intensive care and sedation, and a child life specialist who teaches and distracts patients using developmentally appropriate play. We also have readily available interpreter services.

Upon arrival, you will check in at the reception desk. The nurses will call you from the waiting room when your child is ready to be seen. You are welcome to bring a favorite toy or activity to provide comfort throughout your child's appointment. You can remain with your child until he/she is asleep from the sedation medication. Your child will become sleepy within approximately 15 minutes.

Prior to giving the sedation medication, the sedation team will:

• Weigh your child on a scale
• Ask questions regarding your child's medical history
• Place special stickers on your child's chest and finger to safely monitor heart rate and oxygen level
• Take your child's blood pressure on either the arm or leg

The sedation team will use an IV to give your child sedation medication. The IV will be placed using the following steps:

• A stretchy rubber band (called a tourniquet) will be tied around your child's arm to help the nurses look for a vein. This rubber band will feel tight on your child's arm
• A soft, wet sponge to clean the skin
• Special "freezy" spray. This spray feels very cold but helps make the pinch easier
• Buzzy vibrating distraction may be available to help alleviate pain. The cold spray and/or vibrations will help make this easier and the needle will come out right away
• A small needle to put a tiny tube into your vein. Tape will hold the small plastic tube in place after the needle comes out

Your child can choose to watch or look away during the IV. Some kids like to talk with someone or look at a special toy for distraction.

After your child's procedure, his or her medical team will provide direction about recovery. Patients can typically eat their favorite foods following recovery from sedation and return to normal activities within two to four hours of a procedure. Most children can attend school the next day.

When your child wakes up he/she will be offered juice and crackers/cookies. If your child has unique diet restrictions, please feel free to bring snacks and a drink with you. Your child will be required to eat and drink a small amount and walk a short distance prior to leaving. Most children are sleepy and not steady on their feet for the rest of the day. Your child will require adult supervision and should not return to school or extracurricular activities until the following day.

Comer Children's will provide a radiology report within three business days of your child's procedure and a CD copy of your child's MRI upon request.

Research shows that children who are prepared in advance are less anxious and better able to cooperate during medical exams and procedures. You can help your child feel prepared by answering questions using clear and honest answers based on the detail provided here. You know your child best and can use this information as a guideline when preparing him/her.

• Children 2 Years Old: Prepare him/her on the way to the appointment
• Children 3-5 Years Old: Prepare him/her the day before the appointment
• Children 6-10 Years Old: Prepare him/her a few days before your appointment
• Children 11 and Older: Prepare him/her a week or two in advance

If your child has special health needs, please let us know so we can better plan for your visit. If he/she is followed by a special doctor for the lungs, heart, kidneys, ear, nose and throat (ENT) or has diabetes, please contact us at 773‐834‐8585. We will make special arrangements for him/her.