Page 551 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

carry out normal grooming activities.
4. Allow favorite foods to be brought into the hospital if
possible.
5. Provide privacy.
6. Use body diagrams to prepare for procedures.
7. Introduce them to other adolescents in the nursing
unit if appropriate and possible.
8. Encourage maintaining contact with peer groups.
9. Provide for educational needs.
10. Identify formation of future plans.
11. Help develop positive coping mechanisms.

V. Communication Approaches

A. General guidelines (Box 18-1)

B. Infant
1. Infants respond to nonverbal communication
behaviors of adults, such as holding, rocking, patting,
cuddling, and touching.
2. Use a slow approach and allow the infant to get to
know the nurse.
3. Use a calm, soft, soothing voice.
4. Be responsive to cries.
5. Talk and read to infants.
6. Allow security objects such as blankets and pacifiers if
the infant has them.
C. Toddler
1. Approach the toddler cautiously.
2. Remember that toddlers accept the verbal
communications of others literally.
3. Learn the toddler’s words for common items and use
them in conversations.
4. Use short, concrete terms.
5. Prepare the toddler for procedures immediately before
the event.
6. Repeat explanations and descriptions.
7. Use play for demonstrations.
8. Use visual aids such as picture books, puppets, and
dolls.
9. Allow the toddler to handle the equipment or
instruments; explain what the equipment or
instrument does and how it feels.
10. Encourage the use of comfort objects.
D. Preschooler
1. Seek opportunities to offer choices.
2. Speak in simple sentences.
3. Be concise and limit the length of explanations.

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