Student Discussion That Needs to Be Responded to:

Children and adults have almost identical physical characteristics that are assessed during a physical examination. For instance, during a physical exam, both toddlers and adults have their chest measurements, heart rates, lung function, and other parameters evaluated. A child’s physical evaluation and an adult’s physical examination differ in some ways. Between physical examination processes, which is not necessary for an adult, the youngster should be permitted to play. This is crucial since the kid needs to be at ease with the procedure. Typically, a parent or guardian will report symptoms, but they may not be able to adequately describe the child’s concerns or relay the child’s knowledge to the examiner. As a result, it is essential for the examiner to build a connection with the youngster and foster a climate of safety and trust (McLachlan et al., 2018).

When giving the youngster directions, make sure to use a soothing, calm voice. All directions given to the youngster should be suitable for their age. When providing the child instructions, the nurse should be truthful. Use terminology that is appropriate for the child’s age and stage of development while speaking with them. When describing processes or posing queries, the nurse should use straightforward language and concise sentences. To further clarify processes or concepts, the nurse should also use visual aids like drawings or diagrams. The nurse can employ play therapy strategies like role-playing, puppetry, or storytelling to promote involvement (Perry et al., 2022). Children who use these approaches may feel more at ease and relaxed while being assessed. In order to foster a climate of safety and trust, the nurse should also build a warm and friendly rapport with the kid. This can be accomplished by paying close attention to their worries, confirming their emotions, and giving them assurance all during the examination.

References

McLachlan, C., Fleer, M., & Edwards, S. (2018). Early childhood curriculum: Planning, assessment and implementation. Cambridge University Press. Early Childhood Curriculum: Planning, Assessment and Implementation – Claire McLachlan, Marilyn Fleer, Susan Edwards – Google Books

Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Cashion, K., Alden, K. R., Olshansky, E., & Lowdermilk, D. L. (2022). Maternal child nursing care-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. Maternal Child Nursing Care – E-Book: Maternal Child Nursing Care – E-Book – Shannon E. Perry, Marilyn J. Hockenberry, Kitty Cashion, Kathryn Rhodes Alden, Ellen Olshansky, Deitra Leonard Lowdermilk – Google Books

Original Discussion Prompt:

Assessment Description

Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult. In addition to describing the similar/different aspects of the physical assessment, explain how the nurse would offer instruction during the assessment, how communication would be adapted to offer explanations, and what strategies the nurse would use to encourage engagement.

Example of How to Respond to a Student Discussion: 

Hi Nita,

I like how you discuss both the teacher observing the student and the student observing their own art. You bring up excellent points about the teachers observing the children, because it does help the teacher to better communicate with the children and understand them better. As teachers, it is very important to nurture students, particularly if they are very young, I think, because it allows them to better understand the needs of the student, and how to work with them. Paying attention to what the student is drawing, and seeing how the student reacts to their own work can improve the teachers’ understanding.

Expressing feelings in this discussion board reply examples is a major component of growing up. The more a student is able to express those feelings, the more they can understand them. I liked reading about what you said on this topic, and I agree that the art is a very useful tool that students can learn to express their feelings effectively. If they do not express them, they are keeping them inside, and drawing can become a form of counseling for them. In my opinion, I think the drawing can be particularly useful for many students who are quiet. These students do not often express themselves verbally, and drawing can be a way for them to understand their feelings, and to release some pent up sadness of hostile feelings, for example. I think this form of therapy sticks with many people throughout life, and they continue to use drawing as a coping mechanism.

Thanks,
Steven