A preschool child is scheduled for an echocardiogram. Parents ask the nurse whether they can hold the child during the procedure. The nurse should answer with which response?
A) "You will be able to hold your child during the procedure."
B) "Your child can be active during the procedure, but can't sit in your lap."
C) "Your child must lie quietly; sometimes a mild sedative is administered before the procedure."
D) "The procedure is invasive so your child will be restrained during the echocardiogram."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although an echocardiogram is noninvasive, painless, and associated with no known side effects, it can be stressful for children. The child must lie quietly in the standard echocardiographic positions; crying, nursing, or sitting up often leads to diagnostic errors or omissions. Therefore, infants and young children may need a mild sedative; older children benefit from psychological preparation for the test. The distraction of a video or movie is often helpful.

A Preschool Child Is Scheduled for an Echocardiogram