Children's Fears Related to Hospitalization
| Age | Common Fears | Nursing Indications |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mo–3 yr | Separation from mother or usual caregiver | Encourage rooming in. Encourage patient to bring familiar objects (e.g., toys, blanket) from home. |
| 1–18 yr | Bodily harm (A 3-yr-old may view hospitalization as punishment. A schoolaged child or an adolescent may fear harm that may cause him or her to "look different" [body mutilation].) | Explain procedure in simple terms. Do not inform the child of painful procedures far in advance. Demonstrate procedures with dolls. Be honest regarding pain that may be experienced during procedures. Do not discourage crying. Allow parents to be with child during painful procedures when possible. |
| 6–18 yr | Separation from parents, separation from peers, loss of control | Encourage visits from family and friends. Encourage use of the telephone to maintain family and peer contact. Allow choices when possible. Explain procedures in simple terms. Do not discourage crying. |
| Loss of control | If necessary to restrain child for a procedure, say this will be done to help him or her hold still. |