🧸 Atraumatic Care Cram
Chapter 30 · highest-yield points
1Atraumatic care defined
Minimize physical stress + pain
Minimize separation from family
Promote sense of control
Therapeutic care that minimizes psychological + physical distress. Guiding principle: do no harm.
2Minimizing physical stressors
Limit invasive procedures
Avoid unnecessary restraint
Cluster care
Cut noise, sleep disruption, nausea, hunger. During procedures: comfort positioning (comforting hold, not pinning) + caregiver presence + distraction.
3Child Life Specialist
Procedure prep + therapeutic play
Sibling + grief support + advocacy
Expert in developmental effects of illness/hospitalization. Exam answer for: who preps kids through play, supports siblings, helps with coping.
4Preparing for procedures
Honest · concrete · developmentally appropriate
Timed to the child's age
Tell the child: why · what · how long · sensations · pain? · what they can do to help. Focus on what they'll see, hear, feel, smell, do.
5During + after procedures
Calm + confident · allow choices
Let feelings out · distract
After: comfort, feelings through talking or play, praise coping, return to routines. Never punish fear or tears.
6Family-centered care
Family = the constant
Include in decisions · honest info
Respect knowledge + preferences · support strengths · stay flexible · honor cultural differences.
7Communication by age
Infant: prompt response, soothing
Toddler: 1 direction, limited choices
Preschool: concrete + play, correct misconceptions
School age: what + why + how, let them help
Teen: direct, private, include in decisions
Teen rules: accurate terminology, no judgment, respect body image + independence concerns.
8Prep timing — older = earlier
Toddler: immediately before
Preschool: shortly before
School age: days in advance
Teen: direct + collaborative
Toddler: "I'm going to look in your ear now." Preschool: demo on a doll. School age: sequence + rationale.