Education

Proper preparation for a test or procedure that can reduce your child's anxiety, encourage cooperation, and help develop coping skills.

Given the developmental level of your child (0 to 1 year), little pre-test preparation will be of benefit, but some considerations may help you cope more easily with the test procedures.

Regardless of the test or procedure performed, your infant will probably cry. This is a normal response to the strange environment, unfamiliar people, restraints, and separation from you. Your infant will cry more for these reasons than because the test or procedure is uncomfortable.

Knowing this from the onset may help relieve some of your anxiety about what to expect. Having specific information about the test may further reduce your anxiety. For more information please see the appropriate test.

Why do you have to restrain my child?

Your infant may be restrained by hand or with physical devices. Infants lack the physical control, coordination, and ability to follow commands that older children and adults usually possess. Restraints may be used during a procedure or other situation to ensure your infant's safety.

For example, if your infant needs an X-ray, clear test results require there be no movement. Furthermore, in radiological and nuclear studies while the films are taken, all staff temporarily leave the room. In these situations, restraints are used for your infant's safety.

If a venipuncture is performed to obtain a blood sample or start an IV, restraints are important in preventing injury to your infant. If your child moves while the needle is being inserted, trauma could damage the venous system, bone, tissue, or nerves.

Most tests and procedures require extreme accuracy to obtain the desired outcome, whether to place an IV correctly, ensure accurate test results, or to avoid injuring the infant.

We will use every means possible to ensure the comfort and safety of your baby. Besides restraints, other measures include medications, observation, and monitors.

During the procedure: Your presence helps your infant during the procedure, especially if the procedure allows you to maintain physical contact. If you are not asked to be by your child's side and would like to be, ask if this is possible. If you think you may become ill or anxious, consider keeping your distance, but remaining in your infant's line of vision. If you are not able to be present, leaving a familiar object with your infant may be comforting.

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