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Preparing Your Child for General Anesthesia during CT or MRI HF#7046

Parking in the visitor's ramp is free for the day of surgery.

 

Please arrive by your scheduled time.

  • Park in the AFCH Ramp.
  • Upon entering the AFCH Ramp, you will receive a parking stub.  Please bring it with you to get it stamped.  Do not leave it in your car.
  • Take the elevator from the parking ramp to Level 1.
  • Get your parking stub stamped at the Security Desk or Guest Depot, lovated on level 1.
  • Take the AFCH elevators (marked with  )up to Level 3.
  • Check in at the Reception Area.

 

Please the University Of Wisconsin Hospitals And Clinics, NOT the American Family Children's Hospital.  You may use valet parking from 5:30am to 7pm or you may use the parking ramp.  Parking tickets can be validated at the Clinics Information Desk.  Use the Clinics Entrance.  The Outpatient Surgery Center is on the main (2nd) floor, next to the Clinics Information Desk.

 

 

Before Your Visit

 

A nurse will call you on the day before (or on Friday for a Monday test) to tell you when to arrive and to review eating instructions.  If you do not hear from us by 2:00 pm, please call (608) 263-8804.

 

If your child has been exposed to chicken pox,  has a cold, fever, or other illness the day before the test, please call your doctor between 8am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.  After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, please call (608) 262-0486.  This will give you the paging operator.  Ask for the pediatric anesthesiologist on call.  The toll free number is 1-800-323-8942.

 

 

 

Steps for Getting Ready

 

  1. You will be told if your child should take any morning medicines with a sip of water.  If your child misses any scheduled doses of medicines, bring the medicines with you.  These might be given after the test.
  2. In the morning your child may brush his teeth and rinse.  Your child should not swallow.  If your child is young, skip brushing in the morning so that no water or toothpaste is swallowed.
  3. Remove all make-up and fingernail polish.
  4. Leave all jewelry at home.
  5. We will have a gown for your child to wear.
  6. Plan to bring a special toy, blanket, or book to comfort your child.  We will put a sticker with your child's name on all belongings that go with your child to the test.
  7. Bring along any inhalers, hearing aids, or other special equipment that your child may need.
  8. If your child wears contacts, do not wear them to the hospital.  Please have your child wear glasses instead and bring a labeled case.
  9. When your child is in the test, you will be given a pager so that we can reach you.  A parent or legal guardian must remain in the building at all times.
  10. Please try to leave other children at home.  It may be hard to care for your child with other children present.  If you must bring other children, you will need to bring a second adult to attend to them while you are with your child.
  11. You may wish to bring something to read or do while waiting.
  12. During your child's test, please use this time to eat.  The cafeteria is located on the 1st floor.

 

Special Steps about Eating and Drinking Before Anesthesia

 

Please call 263-8804 if you have questions about this part of getting ready. 

These steps prevent stomach contents from getting into your child's lungs. 

 

For children YOUNGER THAN 2 years old

  • No solids after midnight the night before
  • Stop drinking milk and formula 6 hours before scheduled scan time
  • Stop breast milk 4 hours before scheduled scan time
  • Stop drinking CLEAR liquids 4 hours before scheduled scan time
  • Bring your child's bottle, sippy cup, and diapers
  • Bring an extra set of clothes

 

For children 2 to 5 years old

  • No solids, milk, or  formula after midnight the night before
  • Stop drinking CLEAR liquids 4 hours before scheduled scan time
  • Bring another set of clothes

 

For children over 6 years

  • No eating after midnight
  • Only clear liquids after midnight
  • Eat a light, low fat, meal the night before
  • Stop drinking CLEAR liquids 4 hours before scheduled scan time

 

For ALL Children


Offer liquids and a snack to your child at bedtime.  If your child's time to arrive at the center is at 6 am, you may give your child CLEAR liquids until 3:30 am.  No chewing gum or candy after stopping clear liquids.

 

Examples of CLEAR liquids are
  

  • Water
  • Popsicles
  • Juice without pulp like apple juice or white grape juice
  • Jello, made at home not pre made


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: 09/09/2011

Copyright © 09/09/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7046

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