Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

The behavior of a toddler who is crying, kicking, and thrashing after anesthesia is indicative of which phase?

1. The emergence excitement phase after anesthesia

2. A temper tantrum often seen in toddlers

3. Associated with the surgical procedure

4. Uncommon in children of this age

The correct answer is: The emergence excitement phase after anesthesia

The behavior of a toddler who is crying, kicking, and thrashing after anesthesia is indicative of the emergence excitement phase after anesthesia. During this phase, children may experience confusion, agitation, and distress as they awaken from anesthesia. This reaction is particularly common in toddlers due to their developmental stage, where they may not fully understand their surroundings or what has happened to them. Emergence delirium can manifest as crying, thrashing, and sometimes inconsolable agitated behavior, and it's essential for caregivers and medical professionals to recognize this as a typical response rather than a sign of distress related to pain or discomfort from the procedure. The phenomenon is influenced by factors such as the type of anesthesia used, the child's previous experiences, and their individual temperament. Understanding the emergence excitement phase is crucial for managing a child's postoperative experience effectively, as it helps caregivers provide appropriate support and reassurance during a time of disorientation post-anesthesia. In contrast, other options may misunderstand or mislabel this behavior, not taking into account the specific reactions associated with the recovery from anesthesia in young children.