Sedation Program at Rady Children’s Hospital
Children in the outpatient setting who are undergoing certain diagnostic or therapeutic tests may be candidates for sedation. These include hearing tests (BAER), blood draws, echocardiograms, electroencephalograms (EEGs), medical examinations, and immunizations or vaccines.
Our sedation team collaborates to provide family-centered care tailored to the specific needs of each child before, during, and after their procedure.
Team
Physician
Nurse Practitioner
Jackie Pelletier, M.S.N., AC-CPNP, PC-CPNP
Intranasal Precedex Sedation
A Gentle Way to Help Your Child Sleep for Medical Tests
Your child’s health care provider has recommended intranasal Precedex (dexmedetomidine) to help them sleep during a medical test or procedure. This medication is given as a fine mist sprayed into the nose. There are no needles, IVs, or masks required to give the medication. Your child will become very drowsy and likely fall asleep, but they can be easily awakened if needed.
What Procedures Is It Used For?
Intranasal Precedex is used to help children stay still and comfortable during procedures such as:
- Hearing tests (BAER)
- Blood draws
- Echocardiograms
- EEGs
- Medical examinations
- Immunizations or vaccines
A sedation nurse practitioner will review your child’s health history before the sedated procedure to ensure this medication is appropriate.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Precedex is considered one of the safest sedation options for children. Benefits include:
- Does not usually affect breathing
- Mimics natural sleep
- Continuous monitoring by our sedation team
- Children often wake up less groggy or irritable than with other sedatives
- Parents may stay with their child during the procedure
How to Prepare Your Child: Eating and Drinking Instructions
To keep your child safe during sedation, please follow these guidelines:
- 8 hours before: Stop heavy meals (meat, greasy foods)
- 6 hours before: Stop light meals and non-clear liquids (cereal, oatmeal, bread, yogurt, milk, formula, orange juice)
- 4 hours before: Stop breast milk
- 2 hours before: Stop clear liquids (water, Pedialyte, apple juice, or Gatorade)
- Nothing by mouth after this time.
Make Sure Your Child Is Tired
Precedex works best when your child is ready for a nap.
- The night before: Keep your child awake 2 hours past their normal bedtime.
- The morning of the procedure: Wake them 2 hours earlier than usual.
- Important: Do not let your child sleep in the car on the way to the appointment.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Your child may be sleepy for a few hours and a little unsteady when walking. Our team will monitor your child until they are safe to go home.
Plan for a quiet day with supervised activity after the procedure.
Helpful Tips
- Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment
- Bring a comfort item such as a blanket or stuffed animal
- Do not bring siblings
- A stroller is helpful for the trip back to the car
- If your child has fever, cough, or runny nose please call to reschedule
Contact
Sedation Department
858.966.8792
Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego
3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123
Visitor parking is available across from the Rose Pavilion. Enter Rose Pavilion (Entrance #1) and take the elevators to the 3rd floor to the Outpatient Procedure Center (OPC).
Read the patient instructions for outpatient sedation: English|Spanish