Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is sedation? —
This means getting medicines to make you relax and feel sleepy. It can be used for different medical procedures and minor surgeries. With sedation, your child might not remember the procedure when it is over. The staff monitors their heart rate and breathing carefully when they have sedation. Doctors, dentists, and anesthesia providers can give sedation.
Your child might have gotten "minimal," "moderate," or "deep" sedation to make them more comfortable and help them hold still during a procedure:
●Minimal sedation – Your child will be more relaxed but can talk and answer questions. They can breathe on their own. In some places, properly trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also give minimal sedation.
●Moderate sedation – Your child might be able to talk and answer questions. They can breathe on their own, but might breathe slower or less deeply. In some places, properly trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also give moderate sedation.
●Deep sedation – Your child will not be able to talk or answer questions. They might need help with breathing or keeping their airway open. Only doctors, dentists, and anesthesia providers can give deep sedation.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Plan quiet activities for the rest of the day. For at least 24 hours, do not let your child:
•Ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard
•Climb, or do other activities where they could get hurt
•Drive
•Operate machinery
●It is OK to let your child sleep. Have them lie on their side if they sleep during the day. This helps keep their airway open. Check on your child every few hours. Make sure they wake up and recognize you.
●Help your child when they walk if they are unsteady. They are at a higher risk of falling for the next 24 hours.
●Offer your child light foods until the sedation medicines wear off and they feel normal again. Start with saltine or graham crackers, popsicles, toast, or other bland foods. Avoid greasy, spicy, fatty, or sugary foods.
What follow-up care does my child need? —
The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. If so, make sure you know when and where to go.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
●Your child has choking or coughing episodes, trouble breathing, or trouble swallowing.
Call for advice if:
●Your child is vomiting for more than 2 hours, and can't keep down sips of clear liquids.
●You have trouble waking your child, or they don't recognize you.
●Your child slurs their words, and you can't understand them.
●Your child gets a fever within 24 hours of going home.
●After 6 hours, your child:
•Feels so tired they cannot stay awake
•Is not acting like themselves
•Starts to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak
Patient education: Sedation for procedures in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Anesthesia in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Monitored anesthesia care (The Basics)
Patient education: Questions to ask if you are having surgery or a procedure (The Basics)
