Adult & Pediatric Sedation Program

ADULT SEDATION - WHAT TO EXPECT

Patients should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to complete paperwork.

A short-acting sedative is used to make the patient drowsy. The patient may go to sleep but will wake up with ease when the nurse or anesthesiologist speaks to them. The sedation the patient receive depends on their state of health as well as how able they are to lie still. The patient will need to have an IV placed into the vein of their arm and the sedative will be given into the IV.

After the scan is complete, a responsible adult will need to escort the patient home. The patient will not be allowed to leave alone or drive themselves home. Side effects are few, but the patient may feel drowsy the rest of the day. A normal diet may be resumed after the study.

PEDIATRIC SEDATION - WHAT TO EXPECT

Families should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to complete paperwork. Parents and/or caregivers should come prepared knowing the child’s age, weight, medical history, and the last time food or liquids were given.

For safety reasons, families will not be permitted in the sedation room or scan room with the child, and will be asked to remain in the waiting area. Pediatric patients will be accompanied by a physician at all times during the sedation and examination process. Families will be kept informed of their child’s progress. Once a child is sedated, the CT or MRI studies can take from 15-30 minutes, depending upon the specific nature of the study.

After the scan is complete, the IV line will be left in the child’s arm until he or she is fully awake. After the child is checked by the anesthesiologist, the IV line will be removed and the patient and family are free to leave. Children can resume a normal diet once they return home.

ALL SEDATION STUDIES

For safety reasons, families or companions will not be permitted in the sedation room or scan room with the patient, and will be asked to remain in the waiting area.