The nurse is preparing to examine a 4-year-old child. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for this age group?

A) Explain the procedures in detail to alleviate the child's anxiety.
B) Give the child feedback and reassurance during the examination.
C) Do not ask the child to remove his or her clothes because children at this age are usually very private.
D) Perform an examination of the ear, nose, and throat first, and then examine the thorax and abdomen.

With preschool children, short, simple explanations should be used. Children at this age are usually willing to undress. An examination of the head should be performed last. During the examination, needed feedback and reassurance should be given to the preschooler. This is a preschool-aged child so the nurse should not explain procedures in detail as that will likely make the child anxious. Children at this age are usually willing to undress and should do so as needed for a thorough examination. An examination of the head should be performed last, not first. During the examination of a preschool-aged child, needed feedback and reassurance should be given to the child and short, simple explanations should be used.