Comforting Your Child During Medical Procedures
Emergency rooms can be scary places for children. In
addition, some diagnostic procedures, tests, and forms of
treatment may be painful. Examples of possibly painful
tests and treatments are blood drawing, spinal taps,
suturing, needle placement for intravenous fluids, and shots
of medications.
The pain your child experiences will be sharpened by
anxiety. Younger children may also be fearful of separation
from their parents. At these times your child needs you to
be with him. If necessary, tell the health care provider
that you wish to be with your child to help him deal with
his fear and pain.
Your role is to comfort your child and to help him be less
anxious. The following actions should help:
- Try to remain calm -- anxiety is contagious.
- Sit near your child's head, so he can see your face.
- Hold your child's hand or provide other physical contact.
- Talk with your child about something distracting, such as
a favorite place or activity.
- Tell your child it's OK to cry. Allow your child to
express his feelings.
- Praise him for being cooperative or brave. In addition,
praise him when the procedure is over, so that he feels
he's been successful.
- Don't try to restrain your child for the procedure.
That's not the parent's job. You can remind him that his
job is to hold still, but someone on the staff may need
to help him.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.