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Which nursing intervention is best to help a 2-year-old child adapt to a hospitalization?

Allow the child to have any favorite toys. Explain procedures in simple terms. Allow the child to play with equipment used on him. Ask one or both parents to stay with the child.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

To best support a 2-year-old child's adaptation to hospitalization, asking one or both parents to stay with the child is most effective. This provides comfort and reduces anxiety associated with separation, contributing to a more positive hospital experience.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing intervention to help a 2-year-old child adapt to hospitalization is to ask one or both parents to stay with the child. At this age, children are developing attachment to their parents and may experience anxiety when separated from them. Allowing parents to stay with their child can provide emotional support and a sense of security, making the hospital experience less stressful and more comfortable for the child. While allowing the child to have favorite toys and explaining procedures in simple terms are also beneficial, the presence of parents is usually the most comforting for a young child in an unfamiliar and potentially frightening environment like a hospital.Additional strategies could include allowing the child to play with some of the safe, non-invasive equipment used on them, as this can demystify the experience and help the child feel a sense of control. However, this should always be done under strict supervision to ensure safety and to avoid any misuse or misunderstanding of the equipment's purpose.

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