A nurse is preparing to assess a 3-year-old child. What ...

[dbose]

A nurse is preparing to assess a 3-year-old child. What communication technique should the nurse use for this child?
 
  a. Focus communication on child.
  b. Explain experiences of others to child.
  c. Use easy analogies when possible.
  d. Assure child that communication is private.

Question 2

Which approach would be best to use to ensure a positive response from a toddler?
 
  a. Assume an eye-level position and talk quietly.
  b. Call the toddler's name while picking him or her up.
  c. Call the toddler's name and say, I'm your nurse.
  d. Stand by the toddler, addressing him or her by name.

[xthemafja]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Because children of this age are able to see things only in terms of themselves, the best approach is to focus communication directly on them. Children should be provided with information about what they can do and how they will feel. With children who are egocentric, experiences of others, analogies, and assurances that the communication is private will not be effective because the child is not capable of understanding.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
It is important that the nurse assume a position at the child's level when communicating with the child. By speaking quietly and focusing on the child, the nurse should be able to obtain a positive response. The nurse should engage the child and inform the toddler what is going to occur. If the nurse picks up the child without explanation, the child is most likely going to become upset. The toddler may not understand the meaning of the phrase, I'm your nurse. If a positive response is desired, the nurse should assume the child's level when speaking if possible.