Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Toddler test or procedure preparation

Table of Contents

Before the test, know that your child probably will cry. Preparation may not change the fact that your child will feel some discomfort or pain. Try using play to demonstrate what will happen during the test. You may be able to uncover your child's concerns. The most important way you can help children is by preparing them and providing support at the time of the procedure.

PREPARING BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Limit your explanations about the procedure to 5 or 10 minutes, because toddlers have a short attention span. Any preparation should take place directly before the test or procedure.

Some general guidelines for preparing your child for a test or procedure include the following:

  • Explain the procedure in language your child understands, using plain words. Avoid abstract terms.
  • Make sure your child understands the exact body part involved and that the procedure will be limited to that area.
  • To the best of your ability, describe how the test will feel.
  • If the procedure affects part of the body that serves a noticeable function (such as speech, hearing, or urination), explain what changes will occur afterwards.
  • Give your child permission to yell, cry, or otherwise express any pain verbally. Encourage your child to tell you where the pain is located.
  • Allow your child to practice the positions or movements that will be required for the procedure, such as the fetal position for a lumbar puncture.
  • Stress the benefits of the procedure and talk about things that the child may find pleasurable after the test, such as feeling better or going home. You may want to take your child for ice cream or some other treat afterwards, but do not make this conditional on "being good" for the test.
  • Allow the child to make simple choices, such as what color bandage is applied after the procedure.
  • Distract the child with books, songs, or a simple activity such as blowing bubbles.

PLAY PREPARATION

Play and third-person communication can be wonderful ways of demonstrating the procedure for your child and identifying any anxiety. This technique should be tailored to your child. Most health care facilities that are oriented toward children use similar techniques to prepare children for procedures.

Many young children have a favorite toy or important object that can be a tool for a type of interaction called third-party communication. It may be less threatening for your child to express concerns through the object rather than directly. For example, a child may be able to understand a blood test if you discuss how the doll might "feel" during the test.

Toys or dolls might help you explain the procedure to your toddler. For younger children with a limited vocabulary, visual examples may be helpful.

Once you are familiar with the procedure, briefly demonstrate on the toy what your child will experience. Show positions the child will hold, bandages, stethoscopes, how incisions are made, how injections are given and how IVs are inserted. After your demonstration, allow your child to play with some of the items (except for needles and other sharp objects). Watch your child for clues about concerns and fears.

Regardless of the test performed, your child will probably cry. This is a normal response to a strange environment, unfamiliar people, and separation from you. Knowing this from the beginning may help relieve some of your anxiety about what to expect.

WHY RESTRAINTS?

Review Date: 04/19/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)