Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

At 18 months, what is the biggest fear a child like Jose is likely to experience when admitted for same day surgery?

1. Pain

2. Separation anxiety

3. Death

4. Body integrity

The correct answer is: Separation anxiety

At 18 months, children are typically at a developmental stage where they are beginning to understand the concept of separation from their primary caregiver. During this time, they may experience significant distress when faced with unfamiliar situations or when separated from their parents. This stage is often marked by a strong attachment to caregivers, making separation anxiety a predominant fear. While fears regarding pain, death, or body integrity might be present in varying degrees for children at this age, separation anxiety is the more immediate and common concern in the context of an upcoming surgical procedure. Children like Jose may not fully comprehend the concepts of pain or death, but they can certainly express distress over being away from their caregivers. Therefore, in a surgical setting, it is crucial to address and alleviate separation anxiety to help soothe the child's fears and facilitate a smoother experience during the procedure.