Question:

What kinds of questions should I ask before my child is admitted to the hospital?

Answer:

Getting your child ready for surgery can be a stressful time and it can be helpful to make a list of questions prior to your meeting with the medical team. Please don’t hesitate to ask any and all questions that you have because it is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident about your child’s surgery. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask before surgery:
  • Please describe the operation to me – where and what size will the incision be? How do you identify the site where the incision will be?
  • Why does my child need this operation?
  • Will he or she need more surgeries after this one?
  • Could you tell me how long my child will be in the operating room?
  • Will I be notified about how my child is doing during the surgery?
  • What are the benefits of having this operation?
  • What are the risks of having this operation?
  • What if my child doesn’t have this operation? Are there alternatives to surgery?
  • Should I get a second opinion? If I do, does Shriners Hospitals for Children® pay for it?
  • As a parent, where should I go during the operation?
  • Because I sign a blood consent does that mean you are going to give my child blood?
  • What kind of anesthesia is used and how is it given?
  • Should I give my child his or her prescribed medication prior to surgery, like seizure medication?
  • Can my child continue to take herbal treatments?
  • How long will my child be in the recovery room?
  • How soon can I see my child after surgery?
  • What should I expect after surgery?
  • Will there be swelling?
  • Will he/she have any monitors, IVs or oxygen?
  • Will he/she be in a cast?
  • Will my child go to Intensive Care after surgery?
  • How much pain will my child have?
  • How do you manage pain so my child is as comfortable as possible?
  • How can you tell how much pain my child is in?
  • Can parents spend the night?
  • When will we be able to go home?
  • If we have any complications/problems after we go home whom should I call?
  • Do I need to arrange for help to take care of my child at home or can I do it myself?
  • Will I need to arrange for special equipment for my child when we go home?
  • When can my child start regular activities again and go to school?
  • Should we bring his/her walker, wheelchair, braces, etc?