This section was designed to take the mystery out of
routine pediatric procedures. Common questions about oxygen therapy,
pediatric endoscopy and droplet isolation are answered here.
Oxygen
Therapy
Why does my child need oxygen?
Oxygen therapy maintains the correct oxygen level making it easier to breathe.
Sometimes due to a respiratory illness, your child will need oxygen to help in their
recovery.
How is oxygen given?
Oxygen can be given to your child in several ways:
- Oxygen Tent
Infants and young children are normally given oxygen in an
oxygen tent. The tent provides a mist and will look foggy, feel damp and sometimes wet. It
is okay for your child to be wet. Your child's gown and linens will be changed often to
keep them as dry as possible. It is fine to get under the tent with your child if they
become fussy or frightened.
- Nasal Tubes
Oxygen can also be given through nasal tubes. The two small
tubes rest inside the nostrils. The tubing is placed behind their ears and under their chin.
- Face Mask
A face mask is a common way to give oxygen to an older child.
The mask is placed over their nose, mouth and chin. If you have any questions, please ask
your child's nurse or respiratory therapist.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a monitor used to measure
the level of oxygen in the blood.
How is the Pulse Oximeter used?
The pulse oximeter looks like a bandage.
It is placed on your child's finger or toe. When the monitor is turned on a red light shines
picking up your child's pulse. A reading will show the heart rate and oxygen level. An alarm
will sound if the oxygen level goes below a certain number. The alarm may also sound for other
reasons, such as if the monitor becomes unplugged. Frequently, when your child moves alot or
cries it is difficult to get a reading and therefore an alarm sounds. Back to Top
Pediatric Colonoscopy / Flex-Sig Procedure
Pediatric Outpatient Endoscopy
There are times when a child has symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or pain and the
reason for these symptoms is not easily explained by the doctor's physical exam and other laboratory
tests or x-rays. When this happens, the doctor may need to examine the inside of the child's stomach
or intestines (colon).
This can be done by using an endoscope, a small flexible tube with a camera on the
end of it. The doctor passes the endoscope through the mouth or through the rectum, depending on
the area of the body that needs to be examined. The image from inside the body is projected onto a
monitor for the doctor to see.
Before
An endoscopy procedure is done as an outpatient at the hospital. A child can not eat or drink
anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure. An infant may be able to have formula up to 5 hours
before the exam depending on their age. The doctor will specify what time the child must stop
eating or drinking.
If the doctor is examining the colon, he may give you
instructions for how to cleanse the colon the day before the procedure. It is very important that
these instructions be followed so that the colon is clean for the exam. If there is any problem
with the child taking all of the laxative prescribed, please let your doctor know.
During
After being admitted to the hospital, the patient
will change into a hospital gown. A nurse will
ask some questions and explain the procedure.
Sometimes the patient will get some medicine
by mouth
to help relax him (or her). The nurse may also
start an I.V. by inserting a tiny catheter into
the patient's vein.
Children receive general anesthesia or sedation with medicine through the I.V. The endoscopy is
done in a procedure room with special equipment. Parents stay with their child until anesthesia
begins. After the procedure, the child is observed and monitored carefully until it is time to
go home. The physician will talk to the parents and discuss what is found.
After
It is important to take the child directly home after leaving the hospital. The child may be
drowsy, dizzy or weak and will need to rest or play quietly indoors for the rest of the day.
Other special instructions will be reviewed with the parents prior to going home.
- Diet: Your child may eat following this procedure. Patients needing
a lot of sedation should have clear fluids or soups for the rest of the day. Begin with
soft foods and the gradually return to his or her usual diet.
- Medications: Give their medicine exactly as instructed. If they are
taking pain pills, give with food. Do not allow them to engage in activities that require
mental alertness.
- Activities: Your child should relax for the rest of the day. Supervise
and limit activity for 24 hours. Unless otherwise instructed by their doctor, your child
may return to school the next day.
Signs to Report
Call your physician if they develop any of the following symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever of 101 or greater
- Pain
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What is Droplet Isolation?
Droplet Isolation helps prevent the spread of certain infections. When a child has been placed
on droplet isolation because of their diagnosis, they will remain on isolation until their physician
takes them off or until release from the hospital.
The following guidelines should be used:
- Wear a mask when you enter the room.
- WASH your hands after touching your child.
- While your child is on isolation, do not allow other children to visit.
If there is a sick family member, check with their doctor before they visit.
- While your child is on droplet isolation, the family is asked to
stay in the room and not visit other areas of the hospital.
- A meal tray will be provided while you are in your child's hospital room.
- Your child will be able to bring toys from home to play with since they
will be unable to go out in the hallway or playroom.
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