Pediatrics patient scenario

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What would be the best thing to do as a student nurse if you were assigned a pediatrics patient (around 5 years old) and were to take her VS and do an assessment on the patient (before her scheduled surgery), yet the patient was very uncooperative and would not let go of her parent,who is holding her, and the child's back is to you and your clinical instructor was observing you to see what you would do?What would be the best thing to do in this scenario? How could you get the VS and do an assessment with the child without looking bad infront of your clinical instructor?

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Specializes in Psych.

Do as much of the assessment as you can while the parent is holding the patient. Gain the childs trust. Tell/show child what you are going to do.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Get down to their level. Kneel down so that you're at eye level with them - if you stand up and tower over them that's going to intimidate them. Speak in a language that they are going to understand. At 5 they're going to be a little better then say, at 3 or 4 with the whole "No!" aspect but still give them choices. Always go with the least invasive to the most invasive procedure. Letting them handle the equipment may also help.

I had a school-age (8) child who did not want to have his blood pressure taken. I tried everything...then one of my friends in clinical helped me out (she wants to do peds and is great with kids...me on the other hand, not so much! :lol2:) so she asked the child, "----, do you want to know how big your muscles are?" and explained that the blood pressure cuff tells you how big they are. The child loved the idea so she was able to get the blood pressure reading on them. He then went around telling everyone "my muscles are 92!" :lol2:

You just kind of have to make games out everything. Make it fun for the child but at the same time getting everything done that you need to.

Peds can be challenging. It certainly isn't my cup of tea! Good luck!

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These are some wonderful responses! Thank you both! :)

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