Question

Derek, a 7-year-old, is being admitted to the pediatric unit for a surgical procedure. The nurse is collecting data by interviewing Derek and his parents.
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the purpose of interviewing the child as well as the caregivers?

2. What are some of the important aspects the nurse should keep in mind when interviewing the family and child?

Answer 1

1 . The child is 7 years old and can tell about the changes he is experiencing in his body whether it is intensity , frequency , location of pain . The subject data can only be provided by the child and in collecting history more than objective data the subjective data is important because it is the person who is experiencing it.

Caregivers too are interviewed regarding the changes and its duration of symptoms. The child at 7 year old cannot express fully regarding the duration, time interval , signs and symptoms, first aid measures done. Therefore, caregivers too are interviewed along with the child.

2. Certain things the nurse should keep in mind while interviewing the child and the family :

• The nurse must be comfortable first and be friendly as the nurse is dealing with the child.
• The child and family must be at ease. The conversation has to be interactive from both the sides.
• The nurse must listen to the child patiently as they may take abit of time more as they are playful.
• After interviewing the child , you can allow the child to play there or give the child some toys which makes the child relaxed and happy.
• Nurse can use non verbal communication to show empathy, interest which makes them to detail their history.
• Always start with general questions and then move on to the needed information.

Thank you.