Question

José is a 4-year-old child scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Preoperative teaching should be:

A) Directed at his parents because he is too young to understand
B) Detailed in regard to the actual procedures so he will know what to expect
C) Done several days before the procedure so that he will be prepared
D) Adapted to his level of development so that he can understand

Answer 1

Preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child should be tailored to the child's developmental level, using simple language and visual aids. Parents should be involved, but the child also needs to understand in a way that lessens anxiety. The information should be reassuring and adapted to what the child can comprehend.

Step-by-step explanation:

Preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for cardiac catheterization should be adapted to his level of development so that he can understand. At this age, children may not understand detailed medical information, but they can benefit from an explanation tailored to their comprehension level. Using simple language, visual aids, and play therapy can help make the child more comfortable with the procedure.

While it's crucial to involve parents in the process, the child also needs to receive age-appropriate information to reduce anxiety. Doing this just before the procedure may help prevent the child from becoming overly anxious if done too far in advance. The approach should be reassuring, honest, and should involve aspects like what the child might see, hear, or feel without going into the specifics of the procedure which may be beyond their ability to understand.