Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Improving Identification of Pediatric Emergence Delirium in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit: A Quality Improvement
Teisha St Rose1, Stacy N Carr1, Angela K Phillips1
1Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC.
Insights
Implementing the Pediatric Assessment Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) can improve the assessment and management of pediatric emergence delirium (PED), enhancing patient safety and parent satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Critical Care
Background:
- Pediatric emergence delirium (PED) is a common complication in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
- PED presents as confusion, irritability, and prolonged recovery, increasing risks of injury and decreasing parental satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To recommend the implementation of the Pediatric Assessment Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) in the PACU.
- To enhance the assessment and treatment of pediatric emergence delirium (PED).
Main Methods:
- The article discusses the potential benefits of integrating the PAEDS into PACU protocols.
- The PAEDS has demonstrated validity and reliability in previous studies for assessing emergence delirium.
Main Results:
- Implementation of PAEDS can improve pediatric patient care and safety in the PACU.
- It can serve as a catalyst for process improvements in managing PED.
Conclusions:
- While not yet standard practice, a PAEDS protocol is recommended for PACUs.
- Adopting PAEDS can mitigate the adverse effects of PED on patients, parents, and staff.
Objective:
This article offers a recommendation on how the Pediatric Assessment Emergence Delirium Scale (PAEDS) could be implemented in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) to improve the assessment and treatment of pediatric emergence delirium (PED).
Background:
PED is an anticipated complication in the PACU characterized by mental confusion, irritability, disorientation, inconsolable crying, and prolonged postanesthetic recovery time. Although it is a short-lived phenomenon, it increases the risk for traumatic injuries and may lead to a decrease in overall parent satisfaction with their child's surgical experience.
Method:
Implementation of the PAEDS in the PACU has the potential to improve the care and safety of the surgical pediatric patient population and could be a catalyst for PED process improvements. This tool has been used in various studies and has demonstrated the validity and reliability in the assessment of emergence delirium.
Conclusions:
Clinical use of the PAEDS is not standard of practice, but considering the adverse effects of PED on patients, parents, and medical staff, a PAEDS protocol could be beneficial to the PACU.
More Related Videos
08:38Electroretinogram Recording for Infants and Children under Anesthesia to Achieve Optimal Dark Adaptation and International Standards
Published on: September 3, 2020
06:04Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:22Stages of General Anesthesia
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview