School Age Test/Procedure Preparation

During the procedure

If the procedure is performed at the hospital or your health care provider's
office, you will most likely be given the opportunity to be present. Your child
may or may not desire your presence, and it is best to honor his or her wishes.

If you are not asked to be by your child's side and would like to be, ask your
health care provider if this is possible, and ask your child if he or she would
mind your presence.

Out of respect for your child's growing need for privacy, do not allow peers or siblings to view the procedure, unless they request that a sibling be present for comfort and this is possible.

Other considerations:

• Ask your health care provider to limit the number of strangers entering and
  leaving the room during the procedure, since this can raise anxiety.
• Ask that the care provider who has spent the most time with your child be
  present during the procedure.
• Ask that anesthetics be used where appropriate to reduce the level of
  discomfort your child will feel.
• Ask that painful procedures not be performed in the hospital bed or room so
  the child does not associate pain with these areas.