Confusion associated with neurologic changes (aging, head injury, stroke, etc.)

Inform client or caregiver of the purpose and benefits of community agencies that offer support. Refer client as necessary. Assist family in coping and explain how to communicate accurately using short sentences.

Poor coping strategies associated with inadequate time to prepare for stressors from sudden crisis

Teach client the use of appropriate stress-reducing measures (e.g., relaxation techniques, biofeedback, exercise, hobbies). Inform client of beneficial effects of decreasing coffee, sugar, and salt and maintaining adequate B and C vitamins in diet for adequate functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems. Refer client to community agencies and support groups as necessary.

Poor memory

Teach client memory-enhancing techniques.

Opportunity to improve critical thinking skills

Teach client critical thinking skills. Assist client to obtain resources to enhance critical thought processes.

Poor family coping ability associated with family crisis adjusting to poor infant/child development related to preterm infant

Discuss social development of the child. Infant’s "stranger anxiety" is normal. Teach parents ways to assist infant to warm up to strangers. Encourage verbalization, reassurance, and cuddling. Help parent assess child’s readiness to begin school and to verbalize any school problems with child.

Poor coping strategies associated with inadequate social support

Teach positive coping strategies to the child, such as relaxation and guided imagery. Identify family and friends that are supportive of the child and include them in identifying strategies to help improve self-esteem.

Loss of hope associated with long-term stress

Identify feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and pain. Encourage the child to discuss these feelings and develop strategies to use when these feelings are present.

Use play therapy for younger children to help identify these feelings and teach them resources and techniques to use when needed. Include parents/friends, especially for younger children, that will redirect the child’s actions/thoughts when these feelings are exhibited.