Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is procedural sedation?
Procedural sedation allows you to breathe for yourself without feeling the discomfort associated with the procedure and without the side effects and risks of general anaesthesia. This is achieved by injecting medicines into your vein through the intravenous line. The risks and benefits of the procedural sedation will have been explained to you prior to the commencement of the procedure.
It's usually used to facilitate a medical procedure like reducing a shoulder dislocation or putting a plaster on a broken ankle. Procedural sedation does not last long but it may make you feel drowsy after the procedure has finished and can sometimes make you feel nauseous. This can impair your judgement for up to 24 hours.
When can I be discharged?
Expect to stay in the Emergency Department for 1 to 2 hours after your procedure. The timing of your discharge depends on several things:
- You must be awake, alert and know where you are
- You must not be bleeding or vomiting
- Your blood pressure, pulse, breathing and the level of oxygen in your blood must be close to normal for you.
- You must be able to drink fluids
We will remove your intravenous line when you have seen reassessed by a Doctor and you are ready for discharge home.
Should I do anything special after a procedural sedation?
- For your own safety a responsible adult must take you home and by able to care for you.
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids and light diet
For your own safety and that of others avoid the following for 24 hours after receiving procedural sedation:-
- Driving
- Drinking alcohol
- Using machinery, power tools or electrical appliances
- Do not undertake any activity that requires you to be alert or coordinated for the next 24 hours, included cycling and cooking
- Signing legal documents
- Looking after a dependent whether a child or another adult
If a follow up appointment is needed this will be given to you prior to your discharge.
If you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath after discharge home, please contact your GP or return to the department.
If you are concerned you can get advice from your GP or 111.
You can also contact 111. https://111.nhs.uk/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/031
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.