Question

Common Fears/Concerns during Hospitalization and Important Safety Measures During Hospitalization for: infants (1st year) toddlers(1-3 years)preschool (4-6 years) school age (7-11 years) adolescence ( 12-18 years). Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

# COMMON FEARS AND CONCERNS DURING HOSPITALIZATION

- For infants

Fear of separation anxiety from their loved ones .

- For toddlers

Fear of strangers and new place.

Fear of medical equipments and medical professionals .

Separation anxiety from parents .

Fear of being abandoned.

- For pre-school age

Fear of separation from parents .

Fear of bodily injury or harm.

Unable to distinguish reality and fantasy.

- For school age

Concerns about pain

Fear of loss of bodily function

Fears of body mutilation

- For adolescent

Separation from peer group .

Loss of independence and control.

Fear of rejection from peer.

Fear of death and disability.

Concerns of keeping up with schoolwork.

# IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES DURING HOSPITALIZATION

- FOR INFANTS

Infants should be put down for sleep on their backs to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

Don't leave baby unattended.

Check identification band before delivering treatment.

- FOR TODDLERS

Do not allow sick people to visit.

Encourage them to play and do things their own.

Always keep bedrails to avoid fall .

Make a clear path for child to avoid fall.

Child should always wear identification band .

Keep bed wheels lock to avoid sliding.

- FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS

Keep medicines out of the reach of the child.

Never refer medicine as candy.

Keep doorways leading to dangerous areas.

Children should wash hands frequently to avoid transmitting colds and viruses.

Never leave child alone.

- FOR SCHOOL AGE

Allow the children to explore medicsl equipments , ask questions.

Encourage child to help make decision regarding care.

Emphasis all the things that they can do (play games and activities ).

- FOR ADOLESCENCE

Involve in medical decision making and choice about care.

Provide privacy whenever possible.

Encourage friends to visit .

Anticipate any questions that your teen may have.