Question

An 8-year-old child is scheduled for an invasive diagnostic procedure. What should the nurse do to prepare this child for the test?

1) Discuss the use of anesthesia with the healthcare provider.
2) Teach the parents about the test.
3) Encourage the parents to attend during the test.
4) Remind the child that only grownups get this test.
5) Teach the child about the test.

Answer 1

The nurse should teach the child and parents about the test, discuss anesthesia, encourage parental presence, and participate in a pre-procedure team 'time out' to confirm details and address concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing an 8-year-old child for an invasive diagnostic procedure, a nurse should teach the child about the test, ensuring that the explanation is age-appropriate and helps alleviate any fears or misconceptions. It is also beneficial to discuss the use of anesthesia with the healthcare provider to understand how the child will be managed during the procedure. Furthermore, the nurse should teach the parents about the test so that they can provide additional support and comfort to their child. Encouraging the parents to attend during the test can also be helpful, offering a familiar presence that can ease the child's anxiety. Lastly, the nurse should participate in a 'time out' prior to the procedure where the entire team confirms the patient's identity, procedure, and addresses any potential concerns related to the equipment or patient care.