Surgical Tech Practice Exam

What special needs does a pediatric infant (birth to 18 months) require before surgery?

1. A caregiver permitted in OR to hold child until sedated

2. Isolation from parents

3. Full anesthesia without prior sedation

4. Fast tracking to the operating room

The correct answer is: A caregiver permitted in OR to hold child until sedated

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of providing emotional support to pediatric patients, particularly infants, before surgery. Allowing a caregiver to stay with the child in the operating room until sedation helps to alleviate anxiety and fear. This presence can be critical for the child's comfort, as it provides a sense of security that parents or familiar caregivers typically offer. The psychological well-being of a pediatric patient is crucial, and addressing their emotional needs is an essential part of preoperative care. Other options suggest approaches that would not suit the emotional and developmental needs of infants. For instance, isolating a child from parents can exacerbate anxiety and distress, making the preoperative experience more traumatic. Additionally, subjecting infants to full anesthesia without prior sedation is generally not considered best practice, as it can lead to a stressful initiation to the anesthesia process. Fast tracking to the operating room, while efficient, does not prioritize the comfort of the child in the same way allowing a caregiver does.