Sedation in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Sedation is the use of medicine to help your child relax or fall asleep during a procedure. The medicine may be given by mouth, in the nose with drops or a mist, or in a vein (by I.V.). Depending on why your child is getting sedation, they may also get numbing medicine.

The doctor and nurse will watch your child closely while your child is sedated. They will make sure that your child gets just the right amount of sedative. Your child also will be watched closely after the procedure.

Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. An older child may have trouble walking. A baby may be unsteady when sitting or crawling. It takes time (sometimes a few hours) for the medicine effects to wear off.

It's common for a child to feel sleepy after sedation. A baby might sleep more than usual or be hard to wake up. The doctors and nurses will make sure that your child isn't too sleepy to go home.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Have your child rest when they feel tired. A baby may sleep longer between feedings. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
For the first few hours after sedation, follow your doctor's instructions about what your child can eat or drink. For a baby, your doctor will tell you if you need to change anything about your breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
After a few hours, allow your child to eat and drink a normal diet, unless your doctor has given you special instructions. If your child's stomach is upset, try clear liquids and foods that are low in fat and fiber. These include applesauce, baked chicken, crackers, and yogurt. If your baby has started to eat solid foods, your doctor will tell you what and when to feed your baby after sedation.
Have your child rest for at least 24 hours. This includes not doing schoolwork. It takes time for the medicine effects to completely wear off.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Your child has trouble breathing. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Noisy breathing.
- Using the belly muscles to breathe.
- The chest sinking in or the nostrils flaring when your child struggles to breathe.
Your baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.
Your child is very sleepy and is hard to wake up.
Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Your child has new or worse nausea or vomiting.
Your child has a fever.
Your child has a new or worse headache.
The medicine isn't wearing off and your child can't think clearly.
Your baby can't stop crying.
Your baby won't eat within several hours after leaving the hospital.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Your child does not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.