Question

Summarize how a nurse would handle physical assessments, examinations, educaeducation, and communication differently with children versus adults. Consider spirituality and cultural differences in your answer.

Answer 1

1. While performing a physical assessment, examination on children, it is important to provide a safe and quite environment.
2. Allow parents to be present throughout carrying the physical examination. Children can sit or lay on the exam table with parents in the exam room. But in case of older school aged children should be able to decide if they want their parent in the exam room.
3. Instead of doing yourself allow parents to undress children.
4. Except for babies allow children to keep genitalia covered until it's time for that part of the exam
5. Talk with the parents and address the child slowly so they get time to adjust and feel comfortable with the examiner.
6. Parents and caregivers will be the source of health history and problems or concerns with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. while young school aged children are able to respond to questions on their own.
7. Keep in mind to perform non evasive parts of assessment first.
8. Allow toddlers and preschoolers to have a securely item like blanket or a teddy bear. Allow them to help or hold it when appropriate to make them feel more comfortable.
9. Make children feel comfortable by discussing music, sports or movies.
10. Allow them to ask questions and answer questions.
11. Explain the exam as it progresses so that child and parent understands what is going on.
12. Reassure older children by letting them know when the exam is normal.
13. Have parents and children perform return demonstration on education provided / applicable.

It is also important to consider cultural and spiritual belief when performing an assessment:

• Ensure that examiner, parent and child speak the same language. If not, provide an interpreter.
• Be considerate of beliefs that involves nudity.
• Be considerate of beliefs that someone from different gender performing physical examination.
• Some cultures will expect a provider to be authorative while other cultures may like social discussion first until comfortable with the examiner.