Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Preschooler test or procedure preparation

Table of Contents


Preparation can effectively reduce distress in children who are undergoing medical tests, minimizing crying and resistance to the procedure. Research finds that lowering anxiety can actually decrease the sensation of pain felt by people during uncomfortable procedures.

Before the test, understand that your child probably will cry. Preparation may not change the fact that your child will feel some discomfort or pain. You can try demonstrating what will happen during the test in advance to learn about your child's particular fears and concerns. Using a doll or other object to act out the test may help reveal worries that the child may not be willing to discuss directly.

This may help reduce your child's anxiety. Most people are more frightened of the unknown. It helps if the child knows what to expect. If a child's fears are unrealistic, you may want to explain what will actually happen. If the child is worried about an unavoidable part of the test, do not minimize this concern. Reassure the child that you will be there to help as much as you can.

Make sure your child understands that the procedure is not a punishment. Children at this age may believe that the pain they feel is a punishment for something they did.

The most important way you can help your child is with proper preparation, and with your support and comfort around the time of the procedure.

PREPARING BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

Keep your explanations about the procedure to 10 or 15 minutes, because preschoolers have a limited attention span. Preparation should take place directly before the test or procedure so that the child doesn't worry about it for days or weeks in advance.

Here are some general guidelines for preparing your child for a test or procedure:

  • Explain the procedure in language your child understands, using plain words and avoiding abstract terms.
  • Play preparation can be a wonderful way of demonstrating the procedure to your child and identifying concerns.
  • Make sure your child understands the 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.
  • Be honest with your child about discomfort that may be felt.
  • 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.
  • Ask if your child has not understood something you have explained.
  • Allow your child to practice the positions or movements that will be required for the particular 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.
  • Practice deep breathing and other comforting activities with your child. If possible, have your child hold your hand and squeeze it when feeling pain.
  • Ask the provider if the child can make some decisions, when appropriate, such as which arm should have the IV or what color bandage they would like to have.
  • Distract the child during and or after the procedure with books, songs, counting, deep breathing, or even blowing bubbles.

PLAY PREPARATION

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)