Adolescent: Developing Identity and Abstract Thought Increasing Abstract Thought and Reasoning Discuss why procedure is necessary or beneficial. Explain long-term consequences of procedures; include information

School-Age Child: Developing Industry and Concrete Thought Increased Language Skills; Interest in Acquiring Knowledge Explain procedure using correct scientific and medical terminology. Explain procedure using

Preschooler: Developing Initiative and Preoperational Thought Egocentric Explain procedure in simple terms and in relation to how it affects child (as with toddler, stress sensory

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

Age-specific guidelines for preparation Infant: Developing trust and sensorimotor thought Attachment to Parent Involve parent in procedure if desired. Keep parent in infant’s line of

Preparation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures Psychologic preparation Selecting nonthreatening words or phrases Words and Phrases to Avoid Suggested Substitutions Shot, bee sting, stick Medicine

Pediatric Variations of Nursing interventions General concept related to pediatric procedures Informed consent The person must be capable of giving consent: Age at majority (usually

Nursing care of the family Supporting family members Supporting Siblings During Hospitalization Trade off staying at the hospital with spouse or have a surrogate who

Preventing or minimizing separation Nurses must have an appreciation of the child’s separation behaviors. The child is allowed to cry.  Even if the child rejects

Special hospital admission Emergency admission Lengthy preparatory admission procedures are often impossible and inappropriate for emergency situations. Focus assessment on airway, breathing, and circulation; weigh

Hospital admission Preadmission Assign a room based on developmental age, seriousness of diagnosis, communicability of illness, and projected length of stay. Prepare roommate(s) for the

Assist in measures to prevent cognitive impairment Counseling and education can reduce or eliminate such factors (e.g., poor nutrition, cigarette smoking, chemical abuse), which increase