d. The School Age Child.
(1) Still the school age child's anxieties about pain, death, strangers, and
separation from parents. Reassure the child by telling him what you are going to do.
Also, tell him that he may feel some discomfort and pain.
(2) A school age child has an increased ability to communicate with adults.
This is a help in dealing with this child's fears. You may ask him what he is afraid of and
respond to his concerns.
(3)
You may be able to use this child's natural curiosity to help him deal with
events.
(4)
This child likes to be treated with respect and wants adults to be honest
with him.
(5) Try to make the school age child a partner in the examination and
treatment process. Do this by explaining each procedure to him in detail.
(6)
Information tends to reassure a school-aged child rather than frighten
him.
(7)
Prepare this child for what he will encounter.
(8)
Allow this child's questions to guide you in the topics of concern.
e. The Adolescent.
(1) An adolescent lives in a period of unstable self-esteem. He always
worries about imagined body defects.
(2) The normal fears he feels about his appearance are made worse by
illness or injury.
(3) The adolescent is most likely concerned about how his current injury or
illness will affect him.
(4) An adolescent needs the support you give a sick child but, at the same
time, he wants to be certain that you are treating him like an adult.
(5) Reassure the adolescent, as necessary, but be factual. Question him in
the same manner you would question an adult.
MD0584
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