Moderate (Conscious) Sedation Aftercare
Question:
How do I care for my child after a moderate (conscious) sedation appointment?
Answer:
Your child will feel the lingering effects of the medications for up to 6 or 7 hours. During this time your child will need to be under the direct supervision of you or another adult. They cannot go to school or daycare. They may feel groggy or tired and want to take a nap for several hours. This is normal but be sure to wake them every 45-60 minutes to give them fluids.
They may eat after the appointment, but we recommend starting with clear liquids followed by soft foods such as Jell-O or applesauce. Greasy foods and dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream) should be avoided immediately following the procedure, as they may cause them to feel sick to their stomach. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any foods that have ever given you heartburn.
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