Reducing Boys' Embarassment

[NurseKatetheGreat]

Hi everyone! So, I perform well-child check-ups and physical exams quite often at the pediatric practice in which I work, and obviously once a boy turns 9 or 10, they start getting embarrassed when I have to examine their member and testicles. Does anyone have any tips to reduce their embarrassment and make them more comfortable?

[AllOfMyWat]

My husband recommends being attractive, but not too attractive.

Seriously, there's no way to diffuse it. Just be professional, friendly, and play it by ear.

[PG2018]

I didnt know you checked out junk at well child.

[bebbercorn]

Curious as to everyone's answer... In NP clinical rotations now, where my preceptor only encouraged it if they have an issue...

[Aromatic]

one reason id rather not do primary care lol!

i guess id have mom comfort them i guess.

I've only had my sack bounced once in my memory, back before i went in nursing school, she was pretty hawt. I'm sure i had it done in childhood also.

nothing is as awkward as checking the female parts as a guy on exam though. blehhhh

[ndnursepract]

My first few years in practice this made me so nervous. Have to do them in sport physicals from 3rd grade for some schools through seniors. Finally, I figured out just to be as matter of fact about it as can be. Most boys know it's coming either from previous exams or someone (friend, family, whoever) told them. There are very few that are taken by surprise, and I just say "all boys have to do it", keep it very matter of fact. Also, I try to do it earlier in the exam, because I know they are nervous about it, and that gets it out of the way, then they can relax a bit.

[babyNP., APRN]

I didnt know you checked out junk at well child.

When I was in grad school during our endocrine lecture (neo was grouped in with peds), she said that each body system is important and a child may be too embarrassed to report any problems or not recognize them as problems in the first place. She worked in an endocrine clinic and had so many stories of issues that were brought to the attention of their PCP very late, causing delays in treatment and unnecessary suffering.

[rnsrgr8t]

When I was in grad school during our endocrine lecture (neo was grouped in with peds), she said that each body system is important and a child may be too embarrassed to report any problems or not recognize them as problems in the first place. She worked in an endocrine clinic and had so many stories of issues that were brought to the attention of their PCP very late, causing delays in treatment and unnecessary suffering.

I agree with this as well. I work in pediatric urology and we see things ALL the time that got missed because children were not examined regularly and kids were too embarrassed to complain. I do give them heads up before I do it. I tell them that I am going to look and why it is necessary. I rarely have any kids object. Every kid should be examined at the well child exam once a year (just like adults should be). With little kids, good teaching opportunity to talk about "good touch, bad touch" and that it is ok for me to look because the parent is there in the room with me.

[carachel2]

"I know this may be embarrassing to *you* but I do it a million times a day and to me it is just like looking at your knee/ears/insert body part"..I say it in a super factual way, make it quick and brief and then move on.

[NurseKatetheGreat]

My husband recommends being attractive, but not too attractive.

That's certainly good advice LOL!