For PE's, I freely admit I do what people say not to.
I make the kids (including adolescents) get undressed down to their
underwear --- and I do it BEFORE I even walk in. I do it because of time
and to keep the flow moving. I give the kids a paper gown and a paper
drape, and for the girls, I will frequently let them put on **2** paper
gowns on top---- one open in the front with the second open in the
back. Is this wasteful --- yes, but it gives them some degree of coverage
and yet allows me to "see" and get access to what I need to.
So many of the kids are in 3-4 layers (and that is here in Atlanta where it
is warm).......it is IMPOSSIBLE to see, let alone palpate through all of
the clothes.
I wish I had the time to talk to the kids and adolescents fully clothed,
then leave and have them undress, then examine them, them let them get
dressed again and then go back in and go over the issues......but I don't
(or I don't want to????).
mark
At 02:21 PM 2/24/2002, Diane & Al wrote:
http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/fleitas/mdtips.html
You may have to cut and paste this link, but I thought it was a nice
collection of kids' views.
One of the 1st antidotes on this site is:
"When I was sick and had to go to see you a lot, you never made me take
all my clothes off, and you let my Mom stay with me, even though I'm ten
years old. Thanks!"
This leads me to the question, how does everyone approach exams - and I
am talking about well child exams, not sick visits. We have kids up to
about 2 years old get down to clean diaper only to do weights, etc. If
it seems chilly in the room, I will let the parent slip the T-shirt back
on (I can always pull it up). After that point, if it is loose clothing
that I can move around easily, I will allow the child/teen to remain
mostly dressed. I use a sheet to cover as I move around the body. I know
some health care providers that make a child wear only a gown for
everything - weights and the exam included. I was just wondering how
everyone else does it. -Diane, CNP
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