Age-Related Concerns and Needs of Children Who Are Hospitalized

click to edit

Positive Parent and nursing Responses 👥

Adolescence-Age 📚

Concerns ⁉
Hospitalization is sometimes viewed as a threat to independence. Conflicts over control issues become a focal concern. Separation from family and peers interferes at times with developmental task mastery and leads to feelings of abandonment that substantiate a sense of worthlessness. There is concern about status in peer group after hospitalization.

Possible Responses ✏
Rejection; uncooperativeness; withdrawal; self-assertion; self-control; cooperativeness; fear; anxiety; overconfidence; sometimes capitalization on gains from pain; depression; loneliness; withdrawal; boredom.

Positive Parent and Nursing Responses 👥
Support the adolescent's need for independence, confidentiality, and decision making. Encourage opportunities to meet normal developmental tasks within the hospital (e.g., schoolwork, visits with peers).

click to edit

Concerns ⁉
The main concern is the lack of body control.

SCHOOL- AGE 📖

The child may act demanding and rebellious to make it seem as though they are in control.

They may feel inadequate as well.

Knowledge about illness is effective in handling anxiety.

Possible Responses ✏
Regression:

inability to complete some tasks;

anger related to confinement, inability to be mobile,

lack of contact with friends;

displaced anger; hostility; frustration;

refusal to ambulate; loneliness; boredom; isolation; withdrawal; depression;

excessive sleeping or watching tv; information seeking

It is best to keep a schedule for visiting.

Implementing a plan for them to continue their education and possibly having their teacher visit them.

Praise them for appropriate behavior like completing their homework for example

Arranging for their friends to visit will also be a great way to help them.

click to edit