nurse care for child
Toddlers and preschoolers • Unable to separate actions from origin of pain • Explore objects through touch • Concrete, literal, cannot
• Offer medical play to show a procedure will take place • Use simple terminology, concrete terms • Avoid euphemisms • Assume same position as child to be at eye level • Remove unused equipment from room • Label emotions to validate feelings of fear or anxiety • Provide toys during procedures • Allow parents to assist with care • Support self-talk • Provide choices when possible • Allow child to be part of medical team • Assign daily jobs to assist with care • Offer choices when appropriate • Explain why and how in simple, uncomplicated terms • Allow child to discuss concerns or fears and ask questions • Incorporate playtime into the child’s day • Provide other supportive activities, such as journaling or support groups (older school age) • Ask open-ended questions • Allow for expression of feelings and concerns
conceptualize that one word may have multiple meanings • Perceive bleeding as insides leaking out • Believe inanimate objects act as humans • Fearful of unfamiliar objects/environments • Engage in fantasy and pretend play (preschoolers) questions to understand • Gain experience with hands-on experiences • Like having jobs or tasks • Want to please others • Like positive feedback • Use bargaining to postpone events • Concrete thinkers • May overreact if they feel threatened • Can verbalize thoughts, feelings, or concerns • Curious and ask
School age
Adolescents
• Developing
independence and maturity • Focus on social networks
© 2023. Davis Advantage for Pediatric Nursing , F. A. Davis Company.
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