Sedation Discharge Instructions for Adult and Child

Medication given to make you comfortable and relaxed during a test or procedure is called moderate sedation. Usually, you are sleepy but are still able to follow requests and answer questions.

• Moderate sedation is used for special tests when you must remain still

• You will be relaxed and may not remember the event

• You may be tired afterward and should take the time to rest when you return home

• You MUST have someone drive you home.

Transportation after moderate sedation cannot be a cab, driving yourself, public bus or walking.

Gas anesthetics. Gas anesthetics are breathed into the lungs. They're often used to keep you asleep. They can be given through a face mask. Or they can be given through a tube placed in your voice box (larynx) or breathing tube (trachea). Most of the effects will wear off before you go home. But drowsiness may continue. How long this last will depend on the medicine you received.

Adults:
Do not take medication for pain or sleep during the next four hours, unless told to do so by your doctor.  The medicine might react with the medicines you were given in the hospital and cause a much stronger response than usual.

For the next 24 hours:

• Do not drive or operate machinery or other activities that require skilled physical coordination until the effects of the medicines are gone

• Do not make important personal and business decisions

• Do not smoke unless someone is with you

• Do not drink any alcohol

• Eat a lighter meal and drink clear liquids at first.  Add solid foods when you are able to eat without nausea or vomiting

• Your balance may be affected for the next 24 hours.  Use the handrail on the stairs or have another adult walk beside you

• If you are being treated for sleep apnea, it is especially important to wear your CPAP device following moderate sedation. Follow your doctor's instructions

Children:
Medicines given to your child may affect his or her ability to balance.

 For the next 24 hours:

• Do not allow your child to drive, ride a bicycle, swim, or use machinery

• Do not leave your child alone while in the bathtub

• Do not give or allow your child to take pain or sleep medication, unless told to do so by your doctor

• When your child is in a car seat, make sure that his/her head does not fall forward.  This can make breathing difficult.  If possible, have an adult sit next to them during the ride home

• Play should be supervised

• Give only the medicines the doctor has prescribed for your child

• Encourage quiet activities such as reading books, coloring, watching TV or videos

• Give your child clear liquids to eat or drink such as water, apple juice, soda pop, soups, and Popsicles and then provide a small meal of light foods

• Add solid foods when your child is able to eat without nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or the emergency department if the adult or child who received moderate sedation for the next 24 hours:

• Cannot be awakened easily

• Has very pale or blue skin around the mouth, fingers, and/or toes

• Has not returned to normal activities after 24 hours

• Continues to have episodes of vomiting

• Develops a rash

• Is having difficulty breathing