Adolescent test or procedure preparation
Table of Contents:
Alternative names
test/procedure preparation - adolescent
Information

Definition:
Proper preparation for a test or procedure that can reduce your child's anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help develop coping skills.

Research has shown that preparatory interventions are effective in reducing some signs of distress in children such as crying or resisting the procedure; this led to other findings suggesting that with preparation children report less pain and exhibit physiologic signs showing less distress during medical tests or procedures.

Provide detailed information and explain reasons for the procedure. You can use videos in which other adolescents do the teaching to demonstrate the procedure and provide information. Let your child participate and make as many decisions as possible. Depending on his or her age and independence, your child may or may not wish you to be present during the procedure and his or her wishes should be respected. In these years privacy is important and should be protected.

Pre-procedure Preparation:

Explain the procedure in correct medical terminology, and provide the reason for the test (check the tests section of this program, and ask your health care provider about the specific reason for the test). For example, tell the child the lumbar puncture is looking for meningitis, a bacterial or viral infection in one of the membranes covering the brain (detailed information regarding diseases can be found in the disease section of this program). An increased understanding of the need for the procedure may reduce your child's resistance. Use anatomical and physiological drawings and diagrams to illustrate the part(s) of the body that will be involved.

To the best of your ability, describe how the test will feel. Allow your child to practice different positions or movements that will be required for the particular test or procedure, such as the fetal position for a lumbar puncture.

Save topics or subjects that you think will cause your child the most stress for last. Be honest with your child about discomfort that may be felt, but don't dwell on the topic, since this could instill undue concern in your child. Stress the benefits of the procedure and anything that the child may find pleasurable afterwards, such as feeling better, or going home.

To the best of your ability, describe the operation of equipment that will be involved in concrete (literal) terms.

Suggest ways for to help the child maintain control:
  • counting
  • deep breathing
  • relaxation (thinking of pleasant thoughts)

Include your child in the decision-making process, such as the time of day or the body site where the procedure is performed (these depend on the time constraints of your health care provider and the type of procedure being performed, but where possible, let your child make some decisions).

Allow your child to participate in simple tasks. Encourage participation during the procedure, such as holding an instrument, if allowed.

Discuss potential risks (adolescents commonly have elevated concerns about risks). Provide information about any appearance changes that may result from the procedure or test.

Older children may better benefit from videos that demonstrate peer modeling (peers explaining, demonstrating, and undergoing the same procedure). Ask your health care provider if such films are available for your child's viewing.

Drawing is another way for children to express themselves. Ask your child to draw the procedure after you have explained it, demonstrated it, or your child has watched a video. You may be able to identify concerns or misconceptions through your child's artistic expression.

During the Procedure:
If the procedure is performed at the hospital or your health care provider's office, you will most likely be given the opportunity to be present. Your child may or may not desire your presence, and it is best to honor his or her wishes.

If you are not asked to be by your child's side and would like to be, ask your health care provider if this is possible, and ask your child if he or she would mind your presence. Out of respect for your child's growing need for privacy, do not allow peers or siblings to view the procedure.

Other considerations:

  • Ask your health care provider to limit the number of strangers entering and leaving the room during the procedure, since this can raise anxiety.
  • Ask that the care provider who has spent the most time with your child perform the procedure.
  • Ask that anesthetics be used where appropriate to reduce the level of discomfort your child will feel.
  • Ask that painful procedures not be performed in the hospital bed or room so the child does not come to associate pain with these areas.
  • Your adolescent may have difficulty with a new authority figure entering his or her life (the health care provider). This complication can be minimized if a familiar health care provider performs the test. Otherwise, your child may offer some resistance to the procedures.


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