What emotional state does a child typically exhibit during a nightmare?

During a nightmare, a child often experiences fear or anxiety as they navigate through distressing dreams. This emotional state is characterized by feelings of terror that can lead to waking up in a frightened state. Importantly, while the child may exhibit significant fear during the nightmare, they can often be consoled after waking. This means that even though they may initially react with distress, they can typically be comforted and reassured by a parent or caregiver, which helps them to process the experience and feel safe again.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical reaction of a child experiencing a nightmare. Feeling calm and relaxed, being unaware of surroundings, or being totally indifferent are not common responses during this distressing experience, making those choices inaccurate in the context of understanding a child's emotional reaction to nightmares.