The art of a pediatric exam.
This article discusses incorporating "artistry" into a primary care pediatric exam, a technique that considers a child's cognitive developmental stage, previous medical experiences, and the family's general stressors and fears. Benefits of using the artistic exam technique include decreased fear and anxiety for both the child and parent and fewer unnecessary diagnostic tests. The artistic exam has also been shown to improve adherence to pre- and postcare instructions and improved quality outcomes.
Debra Riley is a pediatric/family nurse practitioner in a hospital-owned primary care clinic in Benton, Ky.
Debra
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Riley
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D064701:Pediatric Nurse Practitioners; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D010989:Play Therapy; D059017:Primary Care Nursing / Q000379:methods*