Tips in Preparing Your Child For A Medical Scan
A medical scan is a diagnostic procedure that uses imaging technology to view internal structures of the body. It is a common procedure for both children and adults. Although the scan itself is completely safe, it can be a scary experience for anyone.
When your child needs to undergo a medical scan, it can be a daunting experience for both you and your child. However, with proper preparation, you can make the process easier for your child. Here are some tips to help prepare your child for a medical scan:
- Explain the procedure to your child in simple terms.
It is important to explain the procedure to your child in simple terms so they will know what to expect. Let them know that they will be asked to lie down on a table and that a scanner will be moving over their body. You can also reassure them that the scanner does not hurt and that the whole process will only take a few minutes.
- Help your child relax by talking about something else.
While your child is undergoing the scan, try to help them relax by talking about another subject. Talk about their favorite food, toy or show that can distract them from worrying about the procedure. You can also bring a few of their favorite toys to the hospital to keep them company during the scan.
- Allow your child to look at the images as they are being scanned.
By allowing your child to look at the images as they are being scanned, it may help reduce anxiety and fear over having an unknown process done on his body. Try asking for permission if you can let him see what’s going on inside his body through pictures used in local news magazines or TV shows like wowee .
- Bring your child’s favorite snacks to the hospital.
A hungry child is more likely to get cranky while waiting in the hospital, which can make undergoing a medical scan even harder for both of you. Bring your child some food that he will enjoy before or during the process so that they are not out of sorts while waiting on the results of his scan.
- Let children play with toys inside the scanner room if possible.
Before your child enters the scanner room, let them play with some age-appropriate toys on hand in case they get bored or restless within confined areas like hospitals and clinics . Some things you may want to bring include coloring books, stuffed animals, video game consoles with kid-friendly games, etc.
- Encourage your child to ask questions.
If your child has any questions about the medical scan, be sure to encourage them to ask you or the hospital staff. Make sure his doctor is available during pre-op exams for this purpose. This will help them feel more at ease and understand what is happening during the procedure.
If your child asks difficult questions that are not easy to answer, be honest with them. You should never lie about what’s happening or how they will feel after the procedure because this can make them even more scared and uncomfortable instead of less.
- Spend some time with your child before leaving the hospital.
After your child has fully recovered, spend some time together to help them relax and process what has happened. This can be something as simple as taking a walk in the park, cooking their favorite meal or watching their favorite movie. Let your child know that you are there for them and will support them through whatever they are feeling.
- If you’re in a foreign country, try to find a bilingual medical professional.
If you and your child are in a foreign country and need to go through with the scan, make sure that at least one of the medical staff is able to understand and speak English or your native language . This can help ease any concerns about not understanding what’s going on during the procedure, making it easier for your child.
- Remain calm yourself.
It is important that you remain calm while your child undergoes a medical scan. This will help them feel relaxed and secure, which can make the experience less frightening for them. If you are anxious, try to take some deep breaths and explain the situation calmly to your child.
- Have your child write or draw what they are feeling after the scan is finished.
Sometimes children get so caught up in the excitement of playing with toys and watching TV during a medical scan that they don’t get to process how it makes them feel until hours later. If this happens, try asking him to draw or write down his experience for you. This can help your child understand their own feelings about the whole thing more clearly than if you did it yourself.
- Consider holding your child’s hand while they undergo the scan.
While most people prefer not to hold hands while undergoing an MRI, CT Scan or X-Ray , some kids find strength in knowing their parents are there for them on the other side of the scanning process. It may make them feel more relaxed and secure, which can improve the overall experience for both of you.
In Summary
When your child is ready for a medical scan, try to remain calm and explain what will take place in simple terms. Make sure he has food and toys available during the process to keep him occupied. Your support can make all the difference when it comes to prepping your child for undergoing a safe medical scan.
Before undergoing a scan , make sure that your child understands what will happen during the test and that he is comfortable with the actual process itself. Accurate information combined with calmness reassurance can help reduce anxiety and fear over having this type of test done even if it is done often.
A medical scan is a common procedure for both children and adults. With proper preparation, you can make it less scary for your child, making the whole process easier.