Conscious Sedation

What is it?

Conscious sedation is a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness that allows the patient to breath, cough, and respond to simple questions.

The role of your nurse

A pediatric registered nurse is responsible for your child during the test. Your nurse will be with your child constantly during the procedure, and will be glad to answer your questions.

The role of the family before the procedure

• The child must arrive at the hospital tired. The best way to accomplish this is to have the child stay up later than usual and be awakened between 6 and 7 am. Do not let your child fall asleep before arriving at the hospital.
• The child should be fed a light meal in the morning, (no milk or milk products) and nothing else except sips of clear liquids 1 to 2 hours before arrival at the hospital.
• Bring medications or prescriptions with you.
• Two (2) adults, preferably parents, should accompany the child.
• Maintain a quiet room while the child is attempting to go to sleep.

If you are not able to come as scheduled, please notify the hospital. If scheduled for a CT of the head, call 937-7465 (X-Ray).

If scheduled for an EEG, call 937-7426 (Respiratory Therapy).

What should I expect?

• Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your child's nurse.
• Various equipment will be in your child's room.
• The nurse will have you sign a consent form and will obtain a brief history.
• Your child's weight, vital signs, an assessment of respiratory status and level of consciousness will be completed.
• Your child will be given medication for sleep.
• Parents are encouraged to help their child fall asleep.
• The nurse will monitor your child while he/she is falling asleep and during the procedure.
• While sleeping, your child will be transferred in a crib to the appropriate area in either the X-Ray Department or the EEG Room. You may accompany your child to the test area.
• If a CT or other x-ray is to be done, parents will be shown to a waiting area.
• If an EEG is to be done, one parent may accompany the child into the room.

When the procedure is finished your child will be transferred back to pediatrics. Your child should be gently awakened at this time, preferably by a parent. When fully awake, we encourage you to assist your child with the meal that you selected. Your child will be discharged when vital signs are stable.

Be sure to read the DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS.

How long will we be at the hospital?

We try to schedule the tests during normal nap times. The amount of time needed to get children to sleep varies. Plan on staying two to four hours.

What can I expect during an EEG?

A brightly colored cap will be placed on your sleeping child's head. This cap has the electrodes in it to measure your child's brain waves. A gel will be used with the electrodes to give better results. This procedure is painless to the child.

What can I expect during a CT scan?

Your child will be placed on the CT table and secured to limit movement during the test.

After the test

When your child awakens, you will notice some unsteadiness due to the sedative that was given. Activity should be limited and watched closely for 4-6 hours until the medicine wears off.

Swallowing may also be affected, so it is important for you to watch your child while he/she eats.

It is important to have a second adult with you to provide supervision on the ride home.

Definitions of terms

CT of the Head - a special x-ray in which the brain is viewed in one slice or segment at a time. Regular x-rays can not do this. A radiologist will interpret the x-rays and contact your child's doctor.

EEG - This is a test for tracing brain wave activity. The technician uses different electrodes to record different wavelengths. The test results will be sent to your child's doctor.

Electrode - A wire that will conduct electrical impulses from the heart or brain to the heart monitor or EEG machine.

Pulse Oximeter - A clothespin or Band-Aid type device used to measure the oxygen level in the blood. A small probe is taped or clipped to the patient's finger or toe. It does not hurt, but your child may be curious about the red glow from the device. This is from the ultraviolet light that is picking up the pulse from the toe or finger.

Oxygen Saturation - oxygen level in the blood.

Vital Signs - Temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Health Education Index