Tools, Techniques, and Medications for Procedural Sedation in Children.

The practice of safe and effective procedural sedation in children requires a comprehensive sedation plan that accounts for procedural requirements, as well as patient-specific needs. When tailoring a sedation plan, a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic tools is often required, and within each group, many different options exist. This article presents a high-level overview of the most commonly employed tools, such as preparatory techniques, distraction modalities, nonpharmacologic analgesia, and comfort positions, as well as common sedatives, adjuncts, and combinations. With a focus on practical application and tool-specific nuances, this article serves as a valuable resource for practitioners aiming to develop or expand their procedural sedation skillset, as well as those who do not currently practice procedural sedation but want to gain a better understanding of this evolving field.