Pediatric Sedation Scheduling
When your child requires sedation for a test or procedure, our goal is to provide a safe and positive experience. We will try to arrange same-day appointments for sedation, test or procedure and follow-up visit with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
Our pediatric sedation team receives many requests and will not able to schedule the appointments until 2-4 weeks before the actual requested time.
If you need further information on scheduling, call our sedation clinic at 608-262-4402.
What is moderate sedation?
This is used to help your child relax and become less aware of the procedure or test. Your child may be almost asleep but easy to wake up and able to answer questions.
When is it given?
This is used for minor procedures and certain types of scans or tests. It may be given in the hospital or in a clinic. You and your child will be told before the tests or scans what type of sedation will be used.
How is it given?
Your child may be given drugs as a pill or a liquid. Your child may also inhale drugs through a mask. Some tests require IV placement (a small tube to be placed in an arm or hand). Medicine may be given through this tube if it is needed.
What else can be expected?
Your child will be asked to not to eat or drink anything before the sedation. You will be told the day before when they will need to stop eating or drinking. This varies for every age. It also depends on what test or procedure your child is having.
What happens during sedation?
Your child will have heart rate, oxygen levels and breathing checked during the sedation. Blood pressure may also be taken and some children may receive oxygen if needed. The sedation staff will ask questions such as: How are you doing? Do you have any pain? You or your child will need to answer those questions. A doctor or nurse will always be with your child during sedation.
How will your child feel?
If this is done as an outpatient, your child will need to stay at least a half hour or as long as needed to recover after the test. Your child may have short-term blurred vision, nausea, and feel dizzy. This will go away as the drugs leave the body. During this time they may become irritable and emotional but will be back to normal in a few hours. They may not recall much about the test after it is done. Your child must have someone drive them home.
Test/procedure being requested: _____________________________________
Estimated time frame for test/procedure to be done: _____________________
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: 08/09/2010
Copyright © 08/09/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7073
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