Chapter 14

Atraumatic Care Case Study

Answers

1. Correct Answer: B. Use a Child Life Specialist to explain the procedures to Emma in an age-appropriate manner. A Child Life Specialist plays a key role in helping children understand and cope with their medical condition and procedures in a way that is appropriate for their developmental level. This approach promotes emotional well-being and reduces anxiety. Minimizing parental involvement (Option C) or using sedatives (Option D) are not ideal and may lead to increased anxiety or dependency. Option A also reduces the child’s opportunity for understanding, which could increase fear and confusion.
2. Correct Answer: B. Involve both parents in the diabetes education and management plan to empower them with knowledge and confidence. Family-centered care focuses on including families in the decision-making process and supporting their role in the child’s care. Providing both parents with the knowledge and tools to manage Emma’s condition effectively will ensure they feel more confident in managing her diabetes once she is discharged. Limiting family involvement (Option A and C) or allowing the child to make decisions independently (Option D) would not promote a collaborative and supportive care environment.
3. Correct Answer: B. Allowing Emma to choose the site for her blood draw if possible. Atraumatic care focuses on minimizing physical and emotional trauma during medical procedures. Allowing the child to participate in decisions, such as choosing the site for a blood draw, helps empower her and reduce fear. Option A would likely confuse Emma due to the use of complex terminology. Option C neglects the importance of preparing Emma, which can lead to increased anxiety. Option D may increase Emma’s distress and does not prioritize family-centered care.
4. Correct Answer: B. To provide emotional support, explain procedures, and promote coping strategies. A Child Life Specialist is trained to help children cope with illness and hospitalization. They provide emotional support, explain medical procedures in an age-appropriate way, and use play therapy and other coping strategies. They do not administer medications (Option A) or monitor clinical parameters (Option C). While they may work with families, their primary focus is on the child’s psychological well-being (Option D).
5. Correct Answer: B. Using a toy medical kit to demonstrate the procedure and allow her to practice on a doll. Using a toy medical kit allows Emma to engage with the procedure in a safe, non-threatening way, which can help reduce her anxiety. This aligns with the principles of atraumatic care. Telling her the injections won’t hurt (Option A) may not be realistic and could lead to distrust if pain is felt. Watching the procedure (Option C) may increase anxiety for some children. Avoiding explanation (Option D) could increase fear due to uncertainty.
6. Correct Answer: B. Involve Emma in the educational sessions to help her feel more in control of her condition. Including Emma in the educational sessions, when appropriate, helps her feel more in control and confident in managing her condition, which can improve adherence and emotional well-being. Focusing only on technical aspects (Option A) or excluding the child from education (Option C) may lead to confusion and fear. Providing only written materials (Option D) without verbal support may not ensure that the parents fully understand the management plan

Please find answers to the Learning Activity interactive elements within the element.