Sedation with dexmedetomidine

Beforehand

• Your child may eat and drink normally, unless the doctor has agreed otherwise.

• You and the child life specialist prepare your child together.

• Explain that your child will receive a nasal spray to help them sleep.

• Tell your child that they will sleep during the examination or procedure and that you will stay with them the entire time.

• Bring a stuffed animal, a book, or calm music to help your child fall asleep.

How the sedation works

• You and your child come to the ward or the day care unit.

• The child life specialist discusses with you what kind of support is needed.

• Your child sits or lies on the bed.

• The nurse, or you, gives the nasal spray.

• After that, your child receives a small red light on their finger or toe. This is a saturation monitor that measures heart rate and oxygen levels in the blood.

• The lights in the room are dimmed and everyone stays quiet. Please also turn off the sound on your phone.

• After 20–30 minutes, the nurse checks whether your child is sleeping deeply enough. If needed, your child receives another dose of the nasal spray.

• As soon as your child is in a deep sleep, the examination or procedure begins. This is done in silence.

• If the examination takes place in another room, your child will be taken there calmly.

• You may stay with your child the entire time.

Side effects

Your child’s breathing and heart rate may slow down slightly, just like during normal sleep. We monitor your child closely.

Afterwards

• Your child may wake up slowly on the ward or the day care unit. This may take several hours.

• Once your child is awake and responding well, the saturation monitor can be removed.

• Your child may also eat and drink.

• You will stay at the Princess Máxima Center for at least one more hour.

Contact

If you have any questions, you can call the lead physician or nurse practitioner.