Family Caregiving

Question 1

Therapeutic Techniques for Infant

Answer 1

• Inability to describe illness / lack of understanding
• Place close to nurses station!
• Provide consistency when assigning caregivers
• Stranger anxiety, physical discomfort, sleep deprivation, anxiety from environment

Question 2

Therapeutic Techniques for Toddler

Answer 2

• Inability to describe illness / lack of understanding
• Limited ability to follow directions
• Separation anxiety, intense emotions, regressive behaviors *
• Intrusion of boundaries causes intense reaction
• Provide routine care, encourage autonomy, consistency!

Question 3

Therapeutic Techniques for Preschooler

Answer 3

• Limited understanding of illness, knows what it feels like
• Separation anxiety, fears of bodily harm, punishment belief!
• Fears r/t magical thinking
• Explain procedures using simple, clear language, avoid medical terms
• Encourage independence
• Validate feelings
• Provide toys
• Give choices when possible! ( Do you want medicine in a cup or spoon )
• Role play w mini equipment *

Question 4

Therapeutic Techniques for School Age

Answer 4

• Beginning awareness of body, can describe pain
• Fears loss of control, can sense lying, stress
• Provide factual information!
• Encourage expressing of feelings
• Normal routine maintained!
• Contact w peer group

Question 5

Therapeutic Techniques for Adolescent

Answer 5

• Provide factual information
• Include in planning of care
• Contact w peer group
• Body image disturbance, isolation, worries about outcomes, big peer influence