Your child may be restrained by hand or with physical devices. Young children lack the physical control, coordination, and ability to follow commands that older children and adults usually possess. Most tests and procedures require limited or no movement to ensure accuracy.

Restraints may be used during a procedure or other situation to ensure your child's safety. For example, with x-rays, clear test results require that there be no movement. During radiological and nuclear studies all staff have to temporarily leave the room. In these situations, restraints may be used for your child's safety.

If the skin is punctured to obtain a blood sample or start an IV, restraints may be used to protect your child. If the child moves, the needle could cause an injury.

Your provider will use every means to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. Besides restraints, other measures include medications, monitors, and observation.

Your job as a parent is to comfort your child.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Your presence helps your child during the procedure, especially if the procedure allows you to maintain physical contact. If the procedure is performed at the hospital or your health care provider's office, you will most likely be allowed to be present. If this is unclear, ask if it is possible for you to be present.

If you think you may become ill or anxious, consider keeping your distance while remaining in your child's line of vision. If you are not able to be present, leaving a familiar object with your child may be comforting.

Avoid showing your anxiety. This will only make your child more nervous. Research has suggested that children are more cooperative if their parents have taken measures (such as anxiety reducing acupuncture) to reduce their own anxiety.

Other considerations:

• Your child will probably resist the procedure and may even try to run away. A firm, direct approach from you and the health care staff may be helpful.
• Give one direction at a time during the procedure using 1- or 2-word commands.
• Avoid covering the child's face.
• Ask your health care provider to limit the number of strangers entering and leaving the room during the procedure, because their presence can raise the child's anxiety.
• Ask that the provider who has spent the most time with your child be present during the procedure.
• Ask that anesthesia be used when appropriate to reduce the level of discomfort your child will feel.
• Ask that painful procedures not be performed in the crib, so that the child does not associate pain with the crib.
• If you are in your child's line of sight, do what the child is told to do, such as opening your mouth.
• Use your child's normal sense of curiosity as a distraction during the procedure.
• Ask if a low sensory environment can be created.

Images

Toddler test

• < Page
1 2 3
• >

Next Section

Toddler test or procedure preparation Prevention

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)