171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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PCICU Family Information: Preoperative Period
Your Arrival
Regardless of how your child arrives at this hospital; by ambulance, helicopter, plane, or car; you need to park your
vehicle. Parking Lot G is located between President Street and Ashley Avenue with an entrance on President Street. There
is also a parking garage across from the Medical Center entrance. The entrance is at a four way stop at the intersection
of President and Jonathan Lucas Streets. There is also a parking garage between Rutledge and Ashley Avenues with entrances
from both streets. Inform the attendant when leaving for the first time each day that you are visiting a patient in the
hospital, give their name and room number. They will give you a receipt that you must keep for 24 hours. With this receipt,
parking will cost only $3 per 24-hour period. Metered parking is also available on the streets around campus. MUSC Public
Safety enforces all parking laws. Parking for motor homes and vehicles with trailers can be arranged through the Office of
Parking Management at (843) 792-3665. Handicapped parking is available throughout the campus with clearly marked spaces.
Handicapped vehicles must have a placard, sign, or license plate, Disabled Veteran license plate or handicap-parking pass
obtained from the Office of Parking Management.
The Newborn Admission
Your newborn may be admitted directly to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or the Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive
Care Unit (PCICU). You will find yourself separated from your new baby in an unfamiliar setting with strange sights and
noises. The nursing staff and physicians will explain each of these to you. If you do not understand something, please
ask. We will be happy to explain. Each piece of equipment has a special purpose and is there to help your child. Many
procedures are necessary for the care of your child. You can provide your child with love and support to help them
through these procedures. If your child's condition permits, you are encouraged to stay with and touch your child as
often as possible. We must of course, allow time for rest also.
The Infant or Child Admission
Your child will be admitted to either Same Day Surgery Unit or 7C in the Children's Hospital depending on the amount of
care needed before surgery. Blood tests, an EKG, a heart catheterization and/or an ECHO may be performed to get ready for
surgery. You can support your child through these procedures by encouraging them to ask questions, holding their hands,
and providing comfort after the completion of these procedures.
The Blood Tests
Before surgery, blood is drawn. These tests may include electrolytes, blood levels, and a test to find your child's blood
type so we can give blood during and after surgery.
Blood Donation
If time allows, you, a family member, or a friend, may be able to donate blood for your child's surgery. Mother's of a
newborn baby can not donate blood. Donation must be done two (2) weeks before the surgery date. Contact your home physician.
Ask for an order for "Donor Directed Blood" to be faxed to your local Red Cross. Include the name and phone number of the
people that may be able to donate. The Red Cross will call the people on your list to set up an appointment. Remember to
give them enough time to prepare the blood. There must be two (2) weeks before the surgery.
The Heart Catheterization
A heart catheterization is a way to take pictures of the heart using dye injected through a large intravenous (IV) catheter.
Prior to the catheterization or "cath", a pediatric cardiologist and a cardiology nurse will explain the procedure in
detail. Please feel free to ask questions until you fully understand the procedure. The procedure may last several hours.
You will be given periodic reports on your child's progress so it is important for the nurse to know where you plan to
wait. Your child will return to their room and will be required to remain quiet and still for at least 6 hours. The doctor
will give you the results of this test and their recommendations when the test is completed. Some children will require
surgery immediately and others are able to return home. There are instructions provided before you leave for home.
The Echocardiogram
The echocardiogram (ECHO) looks at how the heart works and at its size. It does not hurt but may be scary to your child.
They may need medication to make them sleepy before the ECHO. Your child will have an ECHO before and after surgery, and
before leaving to go home.
Consultations
Different specialists will see your child before surgery especially if there are multiple defects present. Anesthesia will
exam your child and review their chart before surgery to prepare to put them to sleep for surgery.
Consent
You must sign a formal written consent before any surgical procedure can start. It is required that the parent or legal
guardian sign this form.
Intensive Care Tour
Your child will be cared for immediately after surgery in the PCICU. This is very different from Same Day or 7C. You may
wish to see the unit before you child is brought there. The nurse caring for your child can arrange a tour. It may help
decrease the stress of entering a new unit before you see your own child there.
NPO
It is important that your child's stomach be empty during the surgery. Your child may eat normally until bedtime the night
before surgery. The nursing staff will tell you when you must stop giving your child any food or drink. NPO means nothing
by mouth. Your child may be restless or irritable because of hunger. You may try reading books, watching videos or any
other trick you know to keep them distracted.
Care Before Surgery
It is a good idea to give your child a good bath and shampoo the night before surgery. It may be a while before they will
get another.
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