Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

What strategy should be employed to manage a toddler's anxiety in a preoperative setting?

1. Providing toys for distraction

2. Offering verbal reassurances

3. Avoiding separation from the parent

4. Using audiovisual material specific to their age

The correct answer is: Avoiding separation from the parent

In managing a toddler's anxiety in a preoperative setting, avoiding separation from the parent is considered an effective strategy. Young children often experience heightened levels of anxiety when separated from their primary caregivers, which can exacerbate stress and fear related to medical procedures. Keeping the parent close helps provide emotional security and comfort, making the child feel more at ease in an unfamiliar environment. While providing toys for distraction, offering verbal reassurances, and using age-appropriate audiovisual materials can also play supportive roles in alleviating anxiety, they may not fully address the underlying fear of separation. The presence of a parent or caregiver can provide immediate emotional support, which is especially crucial for toddlers who may not understand the situation or anticipate what will happen next. Thus, maintaining that connection is paramount in helping to ease their anxiety effectively.