Toddler: Developing Autonomy and Sensorimotor to Preoperational Thought

          • Toddler: Developing Autonomy and Sensorimotor to Preoperational Thought
          • Use same approaches as for infant plus the following.
            • Egocentric Thought
              • Explain procedure in relation to what child will see, hear, taste, smell, and feel.
              • Emphasize those aspects of procedure that require cooperation (e.g., lying still).
              • Tell child it is okay to cry, yell, or use other means to express discomfort verbally.
              • Designate one health care provider to speak during procedure. Hearing more than one can be confusing to a child*
            • Negative Behavior
              • Expect treatments to be resisted; child may try to run away.
              • Use firm, direct approach.
              • Ignore temper tantrums.
              • Use distraction techniques (e.g., singing a song with child).
              • Restrain adequately.
            • Animism
              • Keep frightening objects out of view (young children believe objects have lifelike qualities and can harm them).
            • Limited Language Skills
              • Communicate using gestures or demonstrations.
              • Use a few simple terms familiar to child.
              • Give child one direction at a time (e.g., “Lie down” and then “Hold
              • my hand”).
              • Use small replicas of equipment; allow child to handle equipment.
              • Use play; demonstrate on doll but avoid child’s favorite doll because child may think doll is really “feeling” procedure.
              • Prepare parents separately to avoid child’s misinterpreting words.
            • Limited Concept of Time
              • Prepare child shortly or immediately before procedure.
              • Keep teaching sessions short (≈5 to 10 minutes).
              • Have preparations completed before involving child in procedure.
              • Have extra equipment nearby (e.g., alcohol swabs, new needle, adhesive bandages) to avoid delays.
              • Tell child when procedure is completed.
            • Striving for Independence
              • Allow choices whenever possible but realize that child may still be resistant and negative.
              • Allow child to participate in care and to help whenever possible (e.g., drink medicine from a cup, hold a dressing).

Share:

More Posts

Cerebral Aneurysms

ON THIS PAGE What is a cerebral aneurysm? Who is more likely to get a cerebral aneurysm? How are cerebral aneurysms diagnosed and treated? What

Learn How To Control Asthma

On This Page What is Asthma? How Can You Tell if You Have Asthma? What Is an Asthma Attack? What Causes an Asthma Attack? How