In which stage of anesthesia does the patient become agitated and may experience nausea and vomiting?

The stage where a patient becomes agitated and may experience nausea and vomiting is known as Stage 2, or the Excitement stage. During this phase of anesthesia, the patient is transitioning from the initial state of analgesia into a deeper level of unconsciousness. It is characterized by increased motor activity, heightened anxiety or agitation, and involuntary movements. This can also lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting as the body reacts to the anesthesia.

Understanding this stage is crucial for dental professionals, as it is important to monitor the patient closely during this phase to ensure their safety and comfort. The agitation and discomfort experienced in Stage 2 indicate that the patient has not yet reached the deeper, amnesic states of anesthesia. This stage generally occurs before the patient loses consciousness and reaches more stable levels of anesthesia in Stage 3, where they are typically unconscious and do not respond to stimuli.