Taking Your Child Home after General Anesthesia
- You must have someone (age 16 or older) stay with your child for the rest of today and tonight. This is for your child’s safety and protection.
- Your child may feel a little sleepy for the next 12 to 24 hours. This is partly due to the medicines received during and after surgery. Your child should rest and relax for the next 12 hours. Avoid hazardous or strenuous activity.
- Your child may have a mild to moderate sore throat for the next 24 hours. Call if the sore throat is severe or doesn’t go away.
- If your child had a “caudal” anesthetic to reduce pain, full hip and leg strength must return before you let your child walk or run without help.
Food and Liquids
For the rest of today, start slowly and offer your child clear liquids such as water, apple juice, and soft drinks. When your child feels ready, it is OK to try soup, soda crackers, and other foods that are easy to digest. Avoid milk products, spicy, or fatty foods. Be sure to give your child several glasses of clear liquids to avoid dehydration. Tomorrow, you can let your child eat what she wishes.
When to Call Your Doctor
Your child’s surgeon was Dr.__________________ from the ___________ clinic.
The clinic phone number is: 608-____________. Call if you have questions or concerns. If you live outside the area, call our toll-free number 1-800-323-8942 (24 hr).
After hours, weekends, and holidays: Call 608-262-0486 (Paging Operator). Ask for the doctor on call for Dr. _____________________. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
Call if your child has
- Trouble breathing or a “wet sounding” cough that persists.
- Frequent vomiting after getting settled at home (more than twice).
- Trouble urinating by late tonight (or has a painful, full bladder).
Your child’s anesthesiologist was Dr. _____________________.
In an Emergency, CALL 911
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The staff at the Outpatient Surgery Center will try to call you at home or work within the next few days. We will ask a few questions about your child’s recovery and the care your child received. Let us know if this is not possible or may be a problem.
We wish your child a quick recovery.
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6374.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 03/12/2013
Copyright © 03/12/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6326
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