title: Guidelines for monitoring and management of pediatric patients during and after sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: an update.
abstract: The safe sedation of children for procedures requires a systematic approach that includes the following: no administration of sedating medication without the safety net of medical supervision; careful presedation evaluation for underlying medical or surgical conditions that would place the child at increased risk from sedating medications; appropriate fasting for elective procedures and a balance between depth of sedation and risk for those who are unable to fast because of the urgent nature of the procedure; a focused airway examination for large tonsils or anatomic airway abnormalities that might increase the potential for airway obstruction; a clear understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of the medications used for sedation, as well as an appreciation for drug interactions; appropriate training and skills in airway management to allow rescue of the patient; age- and size-appropriate equipment for airway management and venous access; appropriate medications and reversal agents; sufficient numbers of people to carry out the procedure and monitor the patient; appropriate physiologic monitoring during and after the procedure; a properly equipped and staffed recovery area; recovery to presedation level of consciousness before discharge from medical supervision; and appropriate discharge instructions. This report was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to offer pediatric providers updated information and guidance in delivering safe sedation to children.
authors.forename: Charles J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Coté
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D006801:Humans; D013812:Therapeutics