When your child comes to the hospital for

surgery they will start in Outpatient Surgery, located on the 5th floor of the patient tower. A nurse will check your child’s weight, temperature, pulse and heartbeat, and then give your child a gown to change in to. After the nurse gets all the information about your child, you will be escorted to the “Pre-Op Holding Room,” where you will meet the team of doctors and nurses who will be helping your child. You will be asked a series a questions, and then you will be escorted across the hall to the waiting room. Your child will be brought into the operating room where his/her surgery will begin. Your child is allowed to take their favorite blanket or stuffed animal. After surgery, your child will be brought to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. There a nurse will:• Settle your child and help them to feel comfortable while waking up• Monitor your child’s vital signs

COMMUNITY REPORT

• Receive a report from the surgery/procedure room• Review the doctor’s orders• Record observations during recovery. While the nurse is monitoring your child, his/her physician will speak with you about how the surgery went. Once your child has been monitored, the nurse will allow you to come to the PACU to see your child. Due to space as well as other patient’s privacy, only one person is allowed in the PACU; however, you may be allowed to “switch” caregivers during visit. Each child reacts different to anesthesia so it’s hard to predict exactly what to expect when you enter the PACU. Some children may look pale and are sleepy while others may cry and be restless and confused while waking. Some children may cry and be hard to console, seem agitated, and/or not seem to recognize a familiar face. All of these responses are normal. Your child will be connected to monitoring equipment, including oxygen (you may see something taped to your child’s toe or finger)

and intravenous fluids. The IV will be secured by tape on top of your child’s hand or foot. For babies, the IV may be in the head. When supporting your child in the PACU, please remain at your child’s bed side. It is important to speak in a quiet, calm voice and remain supportive. Once the nurse feels your child is stable, you and your child will be escorted to another room where your child

will recover before going home. The staff will be happy to answer questions concerning your child’s recovery and will do their best to make you feel comfortable during your child’s stay. For more information on pediatric surgery at Marquette General, please call the Marquette General Women’s and Children’s Center at (906) 225-3081.

What to expect: Pediatric Surgery at Marquette General

Child Life Program

During your child’s visit to Marquette General for surgery, they will have access to Sarah Harnett, Child Life Specialist. Trained in child development, Sarah will help prepare your child for surgery, promote effective coping, provide distraction during invasive procedures and facilitate developmentally appropriate play. Sarah also helps normalize the hospital experience for your child in the following areas: • Surgery area: distraction, pre- procedure preparation, ease separation anxiety and provide a familiar face • Pediatric unit: medical play, distraction, developmentally appropriate play, aid in compliance and respite for caregivers • Imaging department: developmentally appropriate preparation and distraction for invasive procedure • As needed and/or by referral in other areas For more information or questions on how to make the hospital experience as easy as possible for you and your child, please contact Sarah Harnett at (906) 225-3420.