Pediatric Explanations For Medical Procedures

[GaMommy81]

Hello all,

I am interested in breaking into pediatric nursing and I wanted to know if anyone had a comprehensive list of explanations and terms to help a child understand medical procedures such as the blood pressure cuff "giving your arm a hug" or the x-ray machine "taking pictures? " Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Does your hospital have a Child Life department? Normally they are really good at helping to explain medical procedures to kids in an age appropriate manner. As for a list, not really cause every kid and their maturity level is different. Just be honest with them, if something is going to hurt don't tell them it won't.

[GaMommy81]

This is good advice. I work in an adult hospital so we don't have a resource like this. I remember in nursing school we had different ways to describe procedures to children. I need to pull out my notes.

[WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN]

I listen for "bears" when I listen with my stethoscope and I "measure your muscles" when I take your BP :) I totally agree with the prior poster, depending on my kiddo's age and maturity level depends on how I describe what I do.

[GaMommy81]

I like those. I know each child's maturity and developmental level is different so you just have to tailor it to each child and their specific needs.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

It really depends on the child, and your own personal preference/personality. There are kids who have been in the hospital so many times that, even at a young age, they know the drill and feel more comfortable when you use the traditional medical terms. Sometimes explaining to a 10 year old what the pulse oximeter or tourniquet does helps to make them feel more informed and in control.

But in general, I say that the BP cuff is going to measure their muscles. MRIs, CT's, x-rays all take pictures. IV fluid gives their body a drink, the stethoscope is going to help me talk to their tummy/heart (and then talk back). I can't really think of any more right now.

And please, please, please, as a general rule- if something is going to hurt, DO NOT tell them it isn't.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

It really depends on the child, and your own personal preference/personality. There are kids who have been in the hospital so many times that, even at a young age, they know the drill and feel more comfortable when you use the traditional medical terms. Sometimes explaining to a 10 year old what the pulse oximeter or tourniquet does helps to make them feel more informed and in control.

But in general, I say that the BP cuff is going to measure their muscles. MRIs, CT's, x-rays all take pictures. IV fluid gives their body a drink, the stethoscope is going to help me talk to their tummy/heart (and then talk back). I can't really think of any more right now.

And please, please, please, as a general rule- if something is going to hurt, DO NOT tell them it isn't.

I agree... there are some kids that spend so much time in the hospital that, at 4, they would roll their eyes at you if you told them that you were going to "give their arm a hug". Give them a choice when there is a choice and don't if there isn't one... for example, a child cannot choose to not have their blood drawn or not have a dressing changed, but they can choose if they want their BP done on their arm or their leg or if they want you to do one thing before the next.

[GaMommy81]

Thanks everyone!

[MamaTruffles]

I usually use the "measure your muscles" for BP and weight.

"Taking pictures" for imaging studies and reminding them to make their silly face!

Ear washes are something I do often. I use "looking for potatoes" or birds, or fish, or whatever I think would make them smile! A little silliness goes a long way!

As others have said just giving them a choice (if possible) can make all to difference Example: 2yr old will not stand on scale, so I offer the other scale (same exact scale just 10 feet to the right) and he runs up to it like its made of candy!