Читать книгу Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Children's Nurses - Группа авторов - Страница 42

Play and distraction have been used in healthcare for many years to relax children and reduce fear and anxiety. The use of role play with children should not be underestimated. Children’s nurses need to develop a good relationship with their patients and a good place to start is to find out their favourite games, toys, characters and television programmes or films. Using a favourite soft toy or character to take their medicine first can help young children to take their own medicine. Praise and rewards are another way of encouraging children who are reluctant to take their medicine. Forcing a child to take medication is not ethical and will possibly engender a fear of taking medicine in the future. As previously discussed, allowing a child to taste a medicine before it is prescribed alongside education will help with concordance.

Inhaled medication via a face mask can also be frightening for children due to the noise, the sensation and having their face covered. Building up wearing a mask can help children if it is not an urgent situation. Staying with the child and talking to them to keep them calm and keeping their breathing regular is also good practice.