CNA 6.1.2 (Caring for pediatrics)

Middle childhood

During the middle childhood stage, children are less likely to be afraid of the hospital environment than younger children are. They may even see hospitalization as an opportunity to explore, meet new friends, and learn more about the body. The following list contains tips for handling school-age children. - Resistance to bedtime is common during middle childhood. Be sure to learn the parents' rules and follow them. - At this age, children want to be in control and will have a hard time adjusting to certain procedures, such as using a bedpan. Try not to scold the child, because this will injure the self-esteem. - During middle childhood, children are able to reason and communicate logically. Speak openly and honestly with them, and allow them to ask questions. Do not "talk down" to them.

Basic needs

Each child is different and has a variety of physical and emotional needs. But there are several needs that all children share: - The need for bodily comfort - The need for safety and security - The need to feel loved Health care workers can help children meet these basic needs. They can also help to meet the age-specific needs for infants and toddlers, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

Adolescence

Health care workers may have difficulty dealing with adolescents for several reasons. First, most adolescents are extremely independent. Second, many adolescents have difficulty with authority figures. And third, adolescents are often uncooperative. Though challenging, working with adolescents can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The following list contains tips for handling adolescents. - Adolescence is a time for developing an identity and becoming independent. You can support adolescents' needs by allowing them to make as many decisions as possible. - Most adolescents have strong connections with their friends. Be sure to allow time for visitors and phone calls. - Privacy is very important to adolescents, especially those who are self-conscious about their changing bodies. Whenever possible, leave the patients alone when dressing or using the bathroom. - To communicate with adolescents, you must be firm, patient, and consistent. Speak to them as you would speak to adults. Remember that the adolescent years are difficult, so do your best to provide genuine encouragement and kindness.

Early childhood

In the early childhood stage, children need to feel independent as they grow and learn new things. But they also need to feel safe and secure. Health care workers must establish a balance of independence and control. The following list contains tips for handling young children. - Communication with young children should be simple and honest. Choose your words carefully, as young children often take things very literally. - Use time references that are familiar to children. For example, instead of saying "at 6:30," say "after dinner." - Young children usually cannot tell the difference between a "good hurt" and a "bad hurt," such as pain from a procedure versus pain from a spanking. Use simple explanations to help a young child understand what to expect. - During early childhood, children are often afraid of the dark. Nightlights may be helpful in hospital rooms.

Caring for pediatrics

Pediatrics are young, vulnerable, and dependent on others to meet their needs. In most cases, the parent or guardian will provide for a child's needs. But when children are in the hospital or a medical facility, it is the responsibility of the health care workers to become the caretaker.

Infants and toddlers

The key to providing effective care to infants and toddlers is to develop a bond of trust. Infants and toddlers need to feel safe and secure. Communication is essential to building trust. Follow these guidelines to communicate with young patients: - With infants, communicate with the tone of your voice and with gentle touch. - With toddlers, you can communicate through simple words. Be sure to maintain a kind tone of voice and to use affectionate touch. Another need that toddlers have is autonomy, or independence. Toddlers are at a naturally curious stage. They learn new things each day. They must be allowed to foster their autonomy within appropriate boundaries. Health care workers should provide opportunities for toddlers to express themselves and to make decisions, such as choosing what to eat or what to wear.