Growth and Development Q 31
The nurse is preparing to care for a toddler who is admitted due to fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. The doctor diagnosed the child with acute gastroenteritis. Which interventions are appropriate for the child? Select all that apply.
A. Limit parental presence to promote faster recovery
B. Inform the child of his scheduled ultrasound on day 5 of his hospitalization
C. Allow to bring his favorite pillow or provide activity e.g., blowing bubbles
D. Allow the child to hold the thermometer before getting the temperature
E. Provide an option between fruit cups and jellies for dessert.
Correct Answer: C, D, & E
Allowing the child to bring familiar objects such as a favorite pillow or blanket to promote comfort; Letting the child hold medical equipment will lessen the fear and stress from the toddler.
Option A: Parental stay in the hospital is encouraged instead to combat separation anxiety and the fear of being abandoned. The parents should be present and participate in their toddler’s care as much as possible.
Option B: A toddler should be told at least a day or two prior to a procedure. An announcement that is too advanced would make the child more anxious. Toddlers have extremely short attention spans — keep this in mind as you talk to your child about the hospital (give small pieces of information at a time).
Option C: Allow your child to carry security objects to procedures (blanket, stuffed animal). Play in the hospital makes the hospital environment less scary and more child-friendly. It also encourages children to focus on activity, rather than on their illness.
Option D: Toddlers are building a sense of autonomy — encourage them to play and do things on their own. Allowing them to hold an instrument like a thermometer may assure them that it would not hurt them to have their temperature taken.
Option E: Toddlers like saying, “NO” — Give options between two things rather than yes or no questions. Offer choices when appropriate. For instance, taking medications is not a choice, but drinking the medicine through a cup or syringe is a choice your child can make on his/her own.