Pediatric sedation in an interventional radiology setting

Abstract Our IR department sedates more than 1200 children each year. Underlying medical conditions and the child's current state of health might contribute to an increased risk of complications for those receiving sedation. The IR nurse, in collaboration with the interventional radiologist, uses several variables in determining the safest and most effective method of sedation. These variables include, but are not limited to, the patient's medical history, known or suspected drug allergies, the invasiveness and expected duration of the procedure, current physical assessment data, the patient's diagnosis, and the patient's age. A developmentally appropriate, patient-specific plan can reduce adverse outcomes related to sedation.