Adolescent test or procedure preparation

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Adolescent control test

Discuss potential risks. Adolescents commonly have elevated concerns about risks, particularly about any effects on appearance, mental function, and sexuality. Address these fears honestly and openly if at all possible. Provide information about any appearance changes or other possible side effects that may result from the test.

Older children may benefit from videos that demonstrate children of the same age explaining and undergoing the procedure. Ask your health care provider if such films are available for your child's viewing.

DURING THE PROCEDURE:

If the procedure is performed at the hospital or your health care provider's office, ask the provider if you may be present with your child. However, if your child does not want you to be present, it is best to honor this wish. Out of respect for your child's growing need for privacy, do not allow peers or siblings to view the procedure unless the adolescent wants them to be present.

Other considerations:

• Ask your health care provider to limit the number of strangers entering and leaving the room during the procedure, since this can raise anxiety.
• Ask that the provider who has spent the most time with your child be present during the procedure, if possible.
• Your adolescent may have difficulty with a new authority figure entering the situation. This complication can be minimized if a familiar provider performs the test. Otherwise, your child may offer some resistance to the procedure. Prepare the child in advance for the possibility that the test will be performed by someone unfamiliar, if this is likely to happen.
• Ask that anesthesia be used as appropriate to reduce the level of discomfort for your child.

Review Date: 06/13/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.