A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. The nurse should recognize that preparing this child psychologically is:
A) not necessary because of child's age.
B) not necessary because colostomy is temporary.
C) necessary because it will be an adjustment.
D) necessary because the child must deal with a negative body image.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's age dictates the type and extent of psychological preparation. When a colostomy is performed, the child who is at least preschool age is told about the procedure and what to expect in concrete terms, with the use of visual aids. It is necessary to prepare a 3-year-old child for procedures. The preschooler is not yet concerned with body image.

A 3-Year-Old Child with Hirschsprung Disease Is Hospitalized for Surgery