Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Providing reassurance and a calm environment is the key response immediately following the identification of emergence delirium. This condition can cause confusion, agitation, and anxiety as the patient transitions from anesthesia to consciousness. Creating a calming atmosphere helps to soothe the patient, alleviating feelings of fear or disorientation they may be experiencing. By doing this, you can effectively help the patient regain their composure and decrease the likelihood of further agitation or distress.

Allowing the patient to rest undisturbed might not address the acute distress they are experiencing and can lead to further anxiety. Offering food or liquid too soon may not be appropriate as patients can still be in a vulnerable state after anesthesia, and their ability to swallow safely needs to be assessed first. Initiating deep sedation could exacerbate the situation and delay recovery, further complicating the emergence phase of anesthesia, rather than promoting a swift and safe return to baseline mental status.