What intervention can best help a 3-year-old child adjust to hospitalization after an injury?

Offering the child a choice when performing procedures is the most effective intervention to help a 3-year-old child adjust to hospitalization. At this age, children are beginning to assert their independence and may feel powerless in a hospital setting due to unfamiliar surroundings and procedures. By providing choices, even simple options such as which arm to use for a blood draw or what color bandage they would like, the child is empowered and can feel a sense of control over their situation. This can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with medical procedures, as it gives them a small degree of autonomy in an otherwise overwhelming environment.

While detailed explanations of procedures can be helpful, this may not be age-appropriate for a young child who may not fully understand complex information. Using terms of endearment can help establish rapport, but it doesn’t provide the child with a sense of control or participation in their care. Encouraging parents to go home and rest could lead to feelings of insecurity in the child as they might benefit more from having their caregivers nearby for comfort and support during their hospital stay.