| Age | Assessment: Reaction to Hospitalization | Nursing Care Plan/Implementation: Key Nursing Behaviors |
|---|
| Infant | Difficult to assess needs, pain | Close observation, must look at behavioral cues |
| Wants primary caretaker | Rooming-in |
| Toddler | Separation anxiety | Rooming-in |
| Frustration, loss of autonomy | Punching bag, pounding board, clay |
| Regression | Behavior modification |
| Fears intrusive procedures | Axillary temperatures |
| Preschooler | | Therapeutic play with puppets, dolls |
- Fantasy about illness/hospitalization (may feel punished, abandoned)
| Therapeutic play with puppets, dolls |
- Peak of body mutilation fear
| Care with dressings, casts, IMs; invasive procedures |
- Behavior problems: aggressive, manipulative
| Clear, consistent limits |
| Behavior modification |
| School Age | Cooperative | - Use diagrams, models to teach
|
| Quiet, may withdraw | - Indirect interview: tell story, draw picture
|
| May complain of being bored | - Involve in competitive game with peer; encourage peers to call, send get well cards, and visit
|
| Adolescent | Fears loss of control | Provide privacy; allow to make some decisions |
| Competitive—afraid of “failing” | Provide tutor prn; get books and homework |
| Difficulty with body image | Provide own clothes; give realistic feedback |
| Does not want to be separated from peers | Telephone in room; liberal visiting; teen lounge |
| Rebellious behavior | Set clear rules; form teen support group |