Echocardiography Lab

• A nurse will call you at home to determine if your child is a good candidate for sedation and discuss the sedation process with you.
• Your child's stomach must be empty during and after sedation. If your child's stomach is not empty, your child could vomit while asleep and damage their lungs.
• Follow the NPO Guidelines for important instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before sedation.
• If you are driving to the appointment, please bring another adult with you to sit beside your child on the way home.
• If your child takes prescription medicine, the nurse will discuss with you during preparation phone call when and how to give the medicine.

A nurse will give your child sedation

A nurse at the hospital will give your child sedation. The nurse will also watch your child closely while they are sedated.

There are different ways your child can get sedation

The nurse will decide and discuss with you which type of sedation is best for your child for the procedure:

• as a drink
• as a nasal spray

The nurse will watch your child closely during sedation

Before your child gets the sedation, the nurse will ask you and your child some important questions. They will do a physical exam to make sure that it is okay for your child to get sedation.

While your child is sedated, the nurse will monitor your child's blood pressure, heartbeat and breathing often. The nurse may use several different machines, called monitors, to check on your child.

After the sedation, the nurse will watch your child closely until they are ready to go home.

Sedation may cause minor side effects

Your child may have side effects after the sedation is given. Usually, these side effects are minor. They may include:

• Dizziness or instability
• Upset mood, feeling grumpy or tearful
• Feeling sleepy

Sometimes, instead of making your child sleepy, sedation may make your child overly active and upset. If this happens, the nurse will stay with your child until they calm down, but the test or treatment may have to be arranged for another day.

The nurse will let you know when you can be with your child

For the sedation echo, you and a second adult will be allowed to be with your child. Once your child is asleep, only one person can be at the bedside as the nurses will need quick access to the emergency equipment if needed. Your child's nurse will let you know more about this.

Your child will be ready to go home when they are awake

Your child will be ready to go home when they are awake and able to drink clear fluids. This appointment may take one or two hours.

Taking your child home from the hospital

• Bring another adult with you when you take your child home from the hospital.
• If you are driving home, a second adult must be available to sit beside and watch your child in the car. Please make sure your child wears their seat belt.
• If your child uses a stroller, bring it with you to the hospital. Your child may be dizzy and unable to walk on their own.
• You will get written instructions from your nurse before leaving the hospital. These notes will tell you what you need to know once you are at home.

Echo images are interpreted on the same day and a report will be sent to your physician's office.