The nurse begins collecting the medical history of a child when the child screams and tries to hide behind the parent, dropping a stuffed toy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Explanation & Rationale
The intervention the nurse should implement when the child screams and tries to hide behind the parent, dropping a stuffed toy during the collection of the medical history is B. A. Ignoring the child's behavior and directing questions only to the parent may further distress the child and make them more anxious. It's important to acknowledge the child's feelings and create a supportive environment. B. Include the child's toy in the collection of information. Children can become anxious or fearful in healthcare settings, and using strategies to make them feel more comfortable and involved can help build trust. By including the child's toy in the collection of information, the nurse can create a more relaxed and child-friendly atmosphere. This can help the child feel less threatened and more willing to participate in the history-taking process. C. Documenting interactions between the parent and the child is important for the medical record, but it doesn't address the child's current distress. D. Obtaining essential information as quickly as possible, without considering the child's comfort and engagement, may not yield the best history and could potentially create resistance and fear in the child. Therefore, including the child's toy in the process, making the interaction child-friendly, and acknowledging the child's comfort are essential to improve the experience and gather necessary information in a more relaxed atmosphere.