Preschooler test or procedure preparation

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Preschooler test

(Page 2)

• Explain the procedure in language your child understands, using plain words and avoiding abstract terms.
• Play preparation can be a wonderful way of demonstrating the procedure to your child and identifying concerns.
• Make sure your child understands the 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.
• Be honest with your child about discomfort that may be felt.
• 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.
• Ask if your child has not understood something you have explained.
• 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.
• Practice deep breathing and other comforting activities with your child. If possible, have your child hold your hand and squeeze it when feeling pain.
• Ask the provider if the child can make some decisions, when appropriate, such as which arm should have the IV or what color bandage they would like to have.
• Distract the child during and or after the procedure with books, songs, counting, deep breathing, or even blowing bubbles.

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PLAY PREPARATION

Play can be a wonderful way of demonstrating the procedure for your child and identifying any anxiety. Tailor this technique to your child. Most health care facilities for children use similar techniques to prepare children for procedures.

Many young children have a favorite toy or other important object that can be a tool for a process called third-party communication. It may be less threatening for your child to express concerns through the toy or object instead of directly. For example, a child who is about to have blood drawn may be better able to understand if you discuss how her doll might "feel" during the test.