The nurse is doing a pre-hospitalization orientation for a 7-year-old child who is scheduled for cardiac surgery. As part of the preparation, the nurse explains that she will not be able to talk because of an endotracheal tube but that she will be able to talk when it is removed. This explanation is:
A) unnecessary.
B) the surgeon's responsibility.
C) too stressful for a young child.
D) an appropriate part of the child's preparation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation is a necessary part of preoperative preparation. If the child wakes and is not prepared for the inability to speak, she will be even more anxious. This is a necessary component for preparation for surgery that will help reduce the anxiety associated with surgery. It is a joint responsibility of nursing, medical staff, and child life personnel.

The Nurse Is Doing a Pre-Hospitalization Orientation for a 7-Year-Old