Your child's safety
is our first priority
"The sedation team has allowed my daughter to
have vital diagnostic tests and treatments in a safe, lower-stress environment. Procedures have been quick, painless and completed in a non-threatening manner. The sedation team’s care has greatly improved my daughter’s quality care and quality of life."
- Rhonda Herring
Pediatric Sedation and Procedure Service - University of Chicago Medical Center
The sedation service at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital is a very safe way to take your child’s fear and anxiety away.
Does your child need any of the following?
- Imaging study
- Procedure
- CT scan
- MRI
- PICC line
- Lumbar Puncture
- Bone Marrow Aspiration
- Nuclear Medicine Study
Here at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital we have a pediatric sedation service staffed exclusively by specialists in pediatric critical care medicine.
We offer:
- Family-centered services tailored to meet your child’s needs
- Pediatric critical care physicians leading the care team
- Nurses specializing in intensive care, sedation and invasive procedures
- One nurse assigned to YOUR child for his or her entire procedure
- State-of-the-art monitoring capabilities
- New intravenous sedative medications to maintain a moderate level of sedation
- Child Life Specialists who teach and distract your child using developmentally appropriate play
- Readily available interpreter services
- A Family Learning Center available while you wait
- A personal phone call for all questions and fasting instructions one work day prior to the procedure
- A Radiology report within 3 business days of the procedure
- Efficient appointments usually within 3 days of request
- A CD copy of your MRI upon request
All parents are concerned when their child requires sedation for a medical procedure. A few questions that must be asked:
Who is directing my child’s care?
The sedation team works hand in hand with your child’s ordering physician to assure that she is receiving the proper sedation for the exam or procedure.
What is their training?
The sedation team is made up of doctors and nurses trained in pediatric critical care.
- Physicians: Fellowship trained and Board Certified in Pediatric Critical Care
- Nurses: Experienced Pediatric Critical Care nurses with sedation expertise maintained through an extensive sedation competency process
Who will be monitoring my child during the sedation?
There is a critical care physician overseeing your child’s care throughout their entire visit to pediatric sedation. Additionally, a critical care nurse will be with your child at all times during sedation induction, throughout the procedure or radiographic scan and recovery process. The nurse will be assessing your child as indicated and documenting vital signs every five minutes.
What medications will be used for the sedation and what are their side effects?
The Medications used for sedation will relieve anxiety and decrease the discomfort of the procedure to obtain the best examination possible. The medication is tailored for your child’s age, weight, underlying illness or suspected illness and their previous sedation experience. Your child will be closely monitored before, during and after sedation by the sedation team.
Should my child take their home medication prior to sedation?
Your child should take all medications as regularly scheduled prior to their sedation appointment. A sedation nurse will call you the night before your child’s planned sedation. If you have any questions please bring them to her attention at that time.
When can my child return to their regular activities?
Activity
- Your child might be groggy or sleepy for up to 6 hours. It is best to plan quiet activities, such as reading books, watching TV, or listening to soothing music.
- Your child should not do anything that requires concentration or coordination. Please no bike riding, rollerblading, swimming, or studying.
- Older patients should not drive a car or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
Diet
- Return to your child’s regular diet when he or she feels ready.
- You may go back to breastfeeding after the test.
- Do not give your child a heavy meal for the next few hours. Some children may have a mildly upset stomach. Please encourage them to drink fluids.
What are the diet instructions prior to my child’s sedation?
- You will receive a call from a sedation nurse the night before your child’s sedation to confirm the appointment and to review the diet instructions.
- Your child should not have food, formula or milk products six (6) hours prior your appointment.
- Your child should not have breast milk four (4) hours prior to your appointment
- You child can have clear liquids up to two (2) hours prior to your appointment. Clear liquids include water, apple juice, Gatorade, sprite or 7-up.
- Your child should take all medications as regularly scheduled. Please give with a sip of water or clear fluids.
What are the discharge instructions for my child?
Your child will receive sedation medication for their CT, MRI or procedure. The sedation team closely monitors your child until he or she is ready for discharge. Your child may continue to be sleepy; therefore it is recommended that you plan for a quiet day with minimal physical activities.
Activity
Activity
- Your child might be groggy or sleepy for up to 6 hours. It is best to plan quiet activities, such as reading books, watching TV, or listening to soothing music.
- Your child should not do anything that requires concentration or coordination. Please no bike riding, rollerblading, swimming, or studying.
- Older patients should not drive a car or operate machinery for at least 24 hours.
Diet
- Return to your child’s regular diet when he or she feels ready.
- You may go back to breastfeeding after the test.
- Do not give your child a heavy meal for the next few hours. Some children may have a mildly upset stomach. Please encourage them to drink fluids.
Importantly:
Your child can eat any of their favorite foods following recovery of sedation. Your child will be able to return to normal activities within 2 to 4 hours of his/ her procedure. Most children can return to school the next day.
Your Child’s Safety Is Our First Priority
For more information about any of the services or procedures:
Contact us at: 773-834-8585
Email us at: peds.sedation@uchospitals.edu
Page us at: 773-753-1880, #7338 (SED-8)
Fax: 773-834-0076
Scheduling: 773-795-7647
Contact Sedation Medical Director: Dr. Heather Fagan: 773-834-7268 hfagan@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
Contact Nursing Manager:: Jamie Harrison RN BSN: 773-834-3240 jamie.harrison@uchospitals.edu
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The University of Chicago
Comer Children’s Hospital
5721 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
© 2008 The University of Chicago Medical Center :: Department of Radiology