School-Age Child: Developing Industry and Concrete Thought

          • 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 simple diagrams and photographs.
              • Discuss why procedure is necessary; concepts of illness and bodily functions are often vague.
              • Explain function and operation of equipment in concrete terms.
              • Allow child to manipulate equipment; use doll or another person as model to practice using equipment whenever possible (doll play may be considered childish by older school-age child).
              • Allow time before and after procedure for questions and discussion.
            • Improved Concept of Time
              • Plan for longer teaching sessions (≈20 minutes).
              • Prepare up to 1 day in advance of procedure to allow for processing of information.
            • Increased Self-Control
              • Gain child’s cooperation.
              • Tell child what is expected.
              • Suggest several ways of maintaining control the child may select from (e.g., deep breathing, relaxation, counting).
            • Striving for Industry
              • Allow responsibility for simple tasks (e.g., collecting specimens).
              • Include child in decision making (e.g., time of day to perform procedure, preferred site).
              • Encourage active participation (e.g., removing dressings, handling equipment, opening packages).
            • Developing Relationships With Peers
              • Prepare two or more children for same procedure or encourage one to help prepare another.
              • Provide privacy from peers during procedure to maintain self-esteem.

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