Medical Health Encyclopedia

Toddler test or procedure preparation

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.

Many young children have a favorite toy or object of importance which can be a tool for a type of interaction called third-party communication. It may be less threatening for your child to express concerns through the object rather than directly. For example, imagine a frightened 2-year-old girl -- about to have her blood drawn -- holding her well-loved doll. Such a child might be able to understand if you discuss how the doll might "feel" during the test.

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Toys or dolls might help you explain the procedure to your toddler. Children of this age are very concrete thinkers -- they take everything literally, without making deductions or generalizations. For younger children with limited vocabulary, visual examples and experimentation may be helpful.

Once you are familiar with the procedure, briefly demonstrate on the toy what your child will experience. Show positions the child will hold, bandages, stethoscopes, how incisions are made, how injections are given and IVs are inserted. After your demonstration, allow your child to play with some of the noninvasive items. Watch your child for clues to concerns and fears.

Regardless of the test performed, your child will probably cry. This is a normal response to a strange environment, unfamiliar people and separation from you. Knowing this from the beginning may help relieve some of your anxiety about what to expect.

WHY RESTRAINTS?

Your child may be restrained by hand or with physical devices. Young children lack the physical control, coordination, and ability to follow commands that older children and adults usually possess. Most tests and procedures require limited or no movement to ensure accuracy.