• Lisa M Steurer and Janet Luhmann.
• Professional Practice and Systems, St. Louis ChildIren's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA.
• Pediatr Nurs. 2007 Sep 1;33(5):403-7, 426; quiz 409.

PurposeSedation is commonly performed in children in the emergency department. However, little is known about adverse events that may occur after discharge. This study was conducted to evaluate adverse effects occurring after discharge in children following sedation in the emergency department.MethodsParents of 547 children receiving sedation in the emergency department of a pediatric, academic hospital were called A approximately 24 hours af t er discharge a nd asked to complete a telephone questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsAt least one adverse effect was reported in 42% of participants after discharge. This included lethargy (12%), vomiting (7%), behavioral changes (7%), headache (6%), balance/gait disturbances (5%), nausea (4%), sleep disturbances (4%), nightmares (4%), hallucinations (2%), and ear pain (0.2%).ConclusionsChildren experience minor adverse effects from sedation after discharge from the emergency department. Anticipatory guidance about these adverse effects should be given to parents and caregivers prior to discharge.

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