St. John's Children's Hospital Services Pediatric Sedation Before the Sedation Procedure

Before the Sedation Procedure

What to Do Before You Come to the Hospital

Before coming to the hospital for a test or procedure that requires sedation, a child should not have anything to eat or drink for several hours. The child must have an empty stomach to prevent vomiting that may occur with sedation medicines.

Morning Prescription Medicines

A child can be given prescription medicine while he or she is still allowed to take clear liquids. Medications that are to be taken later in the day may be given after the child has completed the procedure and recovered from sedation.

Please do not give a child medication with apple sauce or pudding. These are considered solid foods. Jell-O® can be used as an alternative but only up to three hours before the procedure.

How To Help A Hungry Child

Consoling a young child who is not allowed to eat can be a challenge. Unless otherwise instructed, empty stomach feeling can be eased with clear liquids until three hours prior to the procedure.

Watch Your Child Closely So He Or She Does Not Eat Or Drink

Keep the child away from other children who are eating. A hungry child is resourceful at finding things to eat, such as eating pieces of cereal under the car seat cushion, and a sympathetic brother or sister may be tempted to share food.

Advice for Parents

The child will need a parent’s full attention the day of the procedure. The entire process, from arrival at the hospital through sedation and recovery, can be physically draining on parents. Parents are strongly encouraged to eat and drink prior to arriving at the hospital. If a parent needs to step out for a snack or a drink the child’s nurse can offer assistance.

Questions?
Call 217-757-6122 between 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. After hours, call 217-544-6464, ext. 51423 and ask for the pediatric charge nurse.