- Honest, age-appropriate communication helps children understand what to expect before surgery and reduces unexpected surprises.
- Children are prepared for anesthesia, whether through a breathing mask or an IV, with explanations and coping tools to help them feel comfortable.
- Care teams create individualized plans to help children feel safe and supported as they enter the operating room and fall asleep.
- Opportunities to play, ask questions, and become familiar with their surroundings help children feel more comfortable and involved in their care.
- Children can bring clean comfort items, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, into the operating room to help them feel secure.
What Children Can Expect Before Surgery
Age-appropriate explanations, opportunities to ask questions, and familiar comfort items help children feel safe and prepared for surgery.
Hanna Gilroy, MS, CCLS
