While teaching a 10 year-old child about their impending heart surgery.. Explain the surgery using a model of the heart

While teaching a 10 year-old child about their impending heart surgery, the nurse should:

• a- Provide a verbal explanation just prior to the surgery.
• b- Provide the child with a booklet to read about the surgery.
• c- Introduce the child to another child who had heart surgery three days ago.
• d- Explain the surgery using a model of the heart.

The most effective approach for a nurse to teach a 10-year-old child about their impending heart surgery is: d) Explain the surgery using a model of the heart.

Other Options:

Here's why the other options are less effective:

a) Verbal explanation just prior to surgery:

This is too close to the procedure and may not provide enough time for the child to process the information. Additionally, it might be overshadowed by pre-surgery anxieties.

b) Booklet to read about the surgery:

While informative, a booklet alone may not be engaging enough for a child. It might lack the personal touch and interactivity needed for effective communication.

c) Introduce the child to another child who had heart surgery:

While this can be helpful, it may not address the specific concerns and questions of the individual child. Additionally, the other child's experience may not be directly relevant or reassuring.

Model of Heart:

Using a model of the heart allows the nurse to:

• Visually explain the heart's function and the specific issue requiring surgery. This makes the information more concrete and easier for the child to grasp.
• Demonstrate the surgical procedure on the model. This helps the child understand what will happen during the surgery, reducing fear and anxiety.
• Answer questions in a clear and concise way. The model can be used to point out specific areas and address the child's specific concerns.
• Create a more interactive and engaging learning experience. This can help the child feel more comfortable and prepared for the surgery.

Of course, the nurse can use multiple methods in combination. For example, after explaining the surgery using a model, they could provide a booklet for further information and introduce the child to another child who had a similar experience if appropriate. However, using a model of the heart is the most effective single method for teaching a 10-year-old child about their impending heart surgery.

Remember, the goal is to provide the child with accurate and understandable information in a way that reduces their anxiety and helps them feel prepared for the surgery.