Your child may be sedated and on a breathing machine after the operation until it is safe to breathe on his/her own. He/she may also have small catheters inserted into arteries and veins in order to measure blood pressure and give medications. Your child may have small chest tubes that drain a normal amount of bloody fluid and help keep the lungs expanded. Pain medicines and sedatives will frequently be given in order to keep your son/daughter as comfortable as possible.
The ICU can seem like a very technical and even frightening place. The ICU nurses, doctors, and staff are experts at taking care of children during the most important part of the post-operative period. The ICU staff will keep you informed about your child’s progress and explain the treatment plan and equipment. Please feel free to ask questions.