Developmentally Appropriate Care of Pediatric Patients in the Perioperative Setting

ABSTRACT Pediatric patients do not undergo procedures exclusively at pediatric specialty facilities. Many perioperative nurses will care for a pediatric patient at some point in their career. Children and their caregivers often experience elevated levels of anxiety during the perioperative experience. Possessing knowledge of the child's age and developmental stage and using effective communication techniques can decrease this anxiety. This article presents insights into the stages of pediatric cognitive and psychosocial development and special pediatric health care considerations. Approaching and interacting with a child in a manner appropriate for their age and developmental stage can foster a more trusting nurse‐child‐caregiver relationship and reassure the caregiver that the perioperative team is providing their child with safe, high‐quality care. Also included are five hypothetical case studies that illustrate effective communication styles and developmentally appropriate techniques that personnel can apply during the pediatric patient's perioperative experience.