Psychological Preparation Assignment

“The general guidance has been that younger children benefit form preparation closer to the event, while older children fair better when preparation is initiated earlier” (Thompson, 2009, p. 169). Since Kira is a younger child, it would be more beneficial to her to explain the steps of the X-ray closer to when the X-ray is scheduled. Since the X-ray can be a scary time for Kira, it is important for the CCLS to focus on both explaining the procedure and ways to cope with her anxiety. When providing Kira with information, it is important that it is accurate and relevant to what she will be going through. “Plans that are appropriate to the event, to the child and family, and to the staff involved can be made based on the information that has been gathered” (Thompson, 2009, p. 174). By gathering pertinent information about Kira and her case, the CCLS will be able to help calm Kira down. For example, when Kira asks when she will be able to go home, you do not want to give her false hope of going home after the X-ray is done, but the CCLS should find out from the doctor what her care of plan is and explain to Kira that she will be able to go home as soon as possible instead of giving her an exact time frame that could get her hopes up or make her more anxious.”Imagine you had the job of redesigning light to make it a bit more powerful—so you could see through bodies, buildings, and anything else you fancied. You might come up with something a bit like X rays.” (Explain that Stuff). Even though this description of an X-ray is a little easier to understand, it would still be too complex for Kira. The CCLS can explain to Kira that the x-ray machine is just like a big camera. Just like cameras take pictures of people, the X-ray machine is going to take pictures of different parts of her body so the doctor can see her bones better. The CCLS can explain to Kira that she will be laying on a table just as if she were laying in bed. The X-ray tech may move different parts of her body to get a closer look, but since Kira is concerned about being hurt, the CCLS can ask Kira if she is hurting anywhere so the x-ray tech is more careful with the specific area. Using simple words and comparing the X-ray to something she is familiar with will help Kira stay calm about the procedure. To help calm Kira’s anxiety, the CCLS could give her some bubbles to blow to help with her breathing, or use medical play therapy so she can see the medical tools she may be introduced to during the X-ray so she has a more positive opinion of the tools.

References:

Woodford, Chris (2009). Xrays. Explainthatstuff. Retrieved from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/xrays.html

Thompson, R.H (2009). The handbook of child life: a guide for pediatric psychosocial care. Springfield, IL: Charles C.      Thomas Publisher Ltd.