(b) He does not want to be touched, especially by strangers.
(c)
A child in this age range has no desire to "play" with the medic.
(2) This patient is frightened and in no mood to be conciliatory. Therefore,
proceed in the following manner.
(a) Decide which parts of the examination are absolutely essential and
get through them the best way you can.
(b) Set ground rules. The rules may be that crying is allowed, but
kicking and biting are not.
(c)
Complete your examination as quickly as possible.
d. Child 4 Years to 5 Years of Age.
(1) A child in this age range is usually cooperative except when he is
extremely frightened.
(2)
This child may be examined on a chair or bed.
(3)
He likes to help out; for instance, listen to his own heart.
(4) Generally, there is little problem in completing a standard head-to-toe
survey of a child in this age group.
e. School Age Child.
(1)
(2)
He appreciates being treated with respect.
(3)
He likes an explanation of what you are doing.
f. Adolescent. Not all adolescents fit into one category. Some are very
immature and childish. At the other extreme, adolescents can be very mature and
grown up. When dealing with them, remember the point mentioned before that
adolescents are unusually concerned that they are healthy. It is often helpful to
reassure an adolescent patient as each part of the examination is completed that things
are all right--assuming that things really are all right.
MD0584
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