Page 547 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

increasingly self-centered, and
attaching primary importance to
material objects.
f. Detachment is the most serious phase
because reversal of the potential
adverse effects is less likely to occur
once detachment is established.
g. In most situations, the temporary
separation imposed by hospitalization
does not cause such prolonged
parental absence that the toddler
enters into detachment.
B. Fear of injury and pain: Affected by previous experiences,
separation from parents, and preparation for the experience
C. Loss of control
1. Hospitalization, with its own set of rituals and
routines, can severely disrupt the life of a toddler.
2. The lack of control often is exhibited in behaviors
related to feeding, toileting, playing, and bedtime.
3. The toddler may demonstrate regression.
D. Interventions

1. Provide cuddling and touch and talk softly to the
infant.
2. Provide opportunities for sucking and oral stimulation
for the infant, using a pacifier if the infant is NPO
(nothing by mouth).
3. Provide stimulation, if appropriate, for the infant,
using objects of contrasting colors and textures.
4. Provide choices as much as possible to the toddler to
enable him or her to have some control.
5. Approach the toddler with a positive attitude.
6. Allow the toddler to express feelings of protest.
7. Encourage the toddler to talk about parents or others
in their lives.
8. Accept regressive behavior without ridiculing the
toddler.
9. Provide the toddler with favorite and comforting
objects.
10. Utilize play therapy for the toddler.
11. Allow the toddler as much mobility as possible.
12. Anticipate temper tantrums from the toddler and
maintain a safe environment for physical acting out.
13. Employ pain reduction techniques, as appropriate.

For the hospitalized toddler, provide routines and rituals as

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