Toddler test or procedure preparation

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Toddler test

Overview

Toddler test or procedure preparation

Definition:

Helping your young child prepare for a medical test or procedure can reduce anxiety, increase cooperation, and help the child develop coping skills.

Alternative Names:
Preparing toddler for test/procedure; Test/procedure preparation - toddler
Information:

Proper preparation for a test or procedure can minimize anxiety and help a child cope.

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Before the test, know that your child probably will cry, and that 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 your child is by preparing them and by providing support at the time of the procedure.

PRE-PROCEDURE PREPARATION:

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, and avoiding abstract terminology.
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.
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.

PLAY PREPARATION:

Play and third-person communication can be wonderful and revealing 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.