Reference no: EM133400500
Case Study: Children
Katie is going to the doctor today. She is 2½ years old and is excited about going because they have such great toys for her to play with. When she arrives with her grandma, she goes straight for the toys. The wait is not long; when the medical assistant is ready, she calls Katie by name. In the examination room, the provider talks directly to Katie, and allows her to play with the stethoscope and to listen to her heartbeat. Katie is not afraid because she likes the provider (Figure 5-2).
Person may have difficulty adjusting to being ill and to being under the care of a health care provider. Children may have an even more difficult time because they do not fully understand what is happening to them. Children cannot comprehend why the medicine or treatment is going to help them feel better. Some children even feel they are being punished or have done something terribly wrong when they are ill.
Any Children, like all human beings, fear what they do not know or understand. Even the smallest procedure seems major. Parents, primary caregivers, and health care professionals who take the time to explain what is happening and to increase a child's knowledge are apt to have a soothing effect and reduce their anxiety. Having a consistent routine during visits allows the children to anticipate what to expect and reduces their fear.
A health care professional will want to consider the relationship between children and the parents or primary caregivers. A good relationship with caregivers will lessen any problems with their children.
Review "Case Study: Children" and respond to the following questions.
1. Identify therapeutic responses or actions the medical assistant and the provider incorporated to help Katie feel more comfortable during her visit today.
2. Consult Appendix A to determine which of Piaget's cognitive development learning theories Katie is currently experiencing.
3. Why is it important to develop a consistent routine during clinic visits for this age group?