Preschooler test or procedure preparation

Alternative names

Preparing preschoolers for test/procedure; Test/procedure preparation - preschooler

Definition

Proper preparation for a test or procedure reduces your child's anxiety about the situation, encourages cooperation, and helps the child develop coping skills.

Information

Preparation can effectively in reduce distress in children undergoing medical tests, and can minimize crying and resistance to the procedure. Research finds that lowering anxiety can actually decrease the sensation of pain felt by people during uncomfortable procedures.

Before the test, understand that your child probably will cry, and that preparation may not change the fact that your child will feel some discomfort or pain. You can try demonstrating what will happen during the test in advance to learn about your child's particular fears and concerns. Using a doll or other object to act out the test may help reveal worries that the child may not be willing to discuss directly.

This may help reduce your child's anxiety - most people are more frightened of the unknown than they are when they know what to expect. If a child's fears are unrealistic, you may want to explain what will actually happen. If the child is worried about an unavoidable part of the test, do not minimize this concern, but reassure the child that you will be there to help as much as you can.

Make sure your child understands that the procedure is not a punishment.

The most important way you can help your child is with proper preparation, and with your support around the time of the procedure.

PRE-PROCEDURE PREPARATION:

Limit your explanations about the procedure to 10 or 15 minutes, because preschoolers have a limited attention span. Preparation should take place directly before the test or procedure so that the child doesn't worry about it for days or weeks in advance.

Here are some general guidelines for preparing your child for a test or procedure:

• Explain the procedure in language your child understands, using plain words and avoiding abstract terminology.
  
• Make sure your child understands the body part involved, and that the procedure will be limited to that area.
  
• To the best of your ability, describe how the test will feel.
  
• Be honest with your child about discomfort that may be felt.
  
• If the procedure affects part of the body that serves a noticeable function (such as speech, hearing, or urination), explain what changes will occur afterwards.