Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Psychological Impact of Trauma


  • Child (patient)
    • Usually scared if conscious, stranger anxiety, fear of the unknown
    • Separation fear, may be inconsolable
    • Communicate what you are doing
    • Use distraction methods
    • Allow the caretaker to remain next to the child
  • Parents/Caretakers
    • Great deal of anxiety and fear
    • May blame each other
    • May express guilt over incident occurring
  • Involve the family in patient communication