INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING ANESTHESIA
Getting Home
Your child may be drowsy or dizzy for a time after discharge from the officer. This dizziness is common as the drugs are wearing off. Your child may be irritable during this time. Children should be under adult supervision until the next day and not be allowed to travel unrestrained in a vehicle (use seatbelts or car seats), or play near streets, stairways, or other areas where injuries could occur. Please call the Dental office upon arriving home as a follow-up.
Pain
Depending upon the procedure performed, there may be some pain or discomfort. Allow the child to take the prescribed medication or Tylenol / Advil as directed to minimize or eliminate this problem. Children with fair skin may exhibit mild blotchiness during the immediate recovery period – this is not necessarily an allergic reaction. A low-grade fever is also possible due to dehydration. If this occurs, encourage fluids and analgesics. Feel free to call the Dental office at any time with any concerns.
Drinking and Eating
As soon as the patient is able, he or she should drink plenty of room temperature clear liquids such as water, fruit juices, Gator-aid, or carbonated beverages to help reduce occasional nausea or vomiting in children following anesthesia and prevent dehydration. Fluid during the day of surgery is essential – solid food is not. Soft foods may be taken when desired but not immediately forced.
Intravenous Site
A tiny percentage of patients experience post-operative tenderness and redness in their hand or arm, chemical phlebitis associated with intravenous infusion. If this occurs, patients should keep the arm elevated, apply warm (100 F) moist heat as much as possible, and take an anti-inflammatory agent. Should any other unusual situation or questions arise, contact the anesthesiologist or the dental office immediately.
