It is always a challenge to distract a pediatric patient during procedures, especially if they are painful. Parents can become so distraut over the process, that they are not always helpful and can actually be asked to leave the room. Here are a few suggestions to keep parents calm, in control, and involved with the procedures that are being done at the bedside.

1. Parents must be informed of the procedure, the steps involved, and what the staff expects if it is non-emergent and non-life threatening. Parents need to speak up and ask questions if they don’t understand something or if they feel a particular test or procedure is not needed. The first tip for being able to help your child is to understand the procedure and reasons for it. Parents are more capable of assisting in painful things when they agree with the health care providers.

2. Age appropriate distractions must be at the bedside prior to starting the procedure. After something is started and the child is upset is not the time to send someone for a pacifier or CD player. By that time it is too late. Also, age appropriate explanations of what is to come need to be done before the start. This helps to mentally prepare the child for the event.

3. Studies show that infants respond to sugar-water on a pacifier if given before the start of the procedure as well as during, so keep it handy. There is a product we use in our ICU called “Sweet Ease” and I am sure there are other commercial products available. Avoid giving a bottle of fluids though because of the risk of vomiting during a procedure.

4. Toddlers respond to a parent and a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Keep in mind that any toddler being restrained is going to cry and be upset. Restraining is often needed for drawing lab work or doing an xray when the child must hold still for long periods. This is where parents need to understand that the need for the procedure outweighs the tears.

5. Older children will usually hold still if they understand what is happening. They also need to see mom or dad close by to feel secure. A reward for completing a procedure can be used but keep in mind it needs to actually be something the child can have. Don’t promise something you can’t deliver. And never promise there will be no pain, when in fact there will be some.

6. Teens respond better if they have a choice in the matter, for example, which arm to have a needle stick or IV placed, or what time for the bath. Teens also respond to guided imagery during a painful procedure. This is where an adult talks to them about their favorite place or best vacation, some place other than where they are at this moment. The teen imagines this happy place and talks about it with the adult and can mentally stay in that place during the procedure. The guided imagery provides some distraction from the actual procedures taking place. Studies show guided imagery can decrease the need for pain meds and help to relax patients during difficult events.

7. Last, but not least, remember music when thinking about distracting the pediatric patient. Children of all ages enjoy their favorite music. Ipods, CD players, and portable DVD players are all feasible distraction methods for children undergoing pokes and prods from well meaning hospital staff.

Remember, doctors and nurses are very tuned into pain control and sedation for procedures done in the hospital setting. Parents need to know they can discuss this issue and be advocates for their child’s situation. Procedures should be as pain free as possible so any attempt at distraction can only be of benefit. The less pain for your child, the less stress on you, the parent.

Terri Forehand terri.forehand@gmail.com http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terri_Forehand

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 10:59 am and is filed under Critical Care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.