Coping with critical illness: the child in the ICU
Bood, K.
Nursing in Critical Care 1(5): 221-224
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 1362-1017 PMID: 9594121 Document Number: 456616
The admission of a child to the intensive care unit (ICU) is stressful for both the child and his family. Children are especially vulnerable to the psychosocial stressors associated with life-threatening illness and hospitalisation. The child's developmental immaturity may affect his ability to cope. Priority may be given by nursing staff to the child's physical care. Nursing care is only complete with consideration of the total needs of the child and family. Meeting the child's psychosocial needs will promote development and adaptation to critical illness and provide more holistic care for the family.