Abstract

The purpose of this research was to critically analyze relevant literature regarding the effects of preoperative education on levels of stress in the pediatric population. The goal of this research is to review and analyze the available literature to determine best practice as it relates to educating the pediatric preoperative patient in order to relieve stress. Research was retrieved from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE-EBSCOhost databases using keywords pediatric, preoperative, anxiety, stress, fear, children, hospitalized child, education, play therapy, and surgery. Inclusion criteria included research that focused on relieving anxiety or stress in the pediatric surgical patient. Seven research-based articles were found that met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate surgery is stressful in pediatric patients at all developmental stages. Preoperative education was found to reduce this stress. Verbal, written, and visual means of education all led to a decrease in stress prior to surgery. More research is needed to determine the best developmentally appropriate educational program to relieve stress in the pediatric patient.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2011

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Allred, Kelly

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Degree Program

Nursing

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Nursing;Nursing -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0003809

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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