Abstract
This study aims to clarify how nurses assess two-year-old children to prepare them for blood withdrawal or an intravenous drip injection, by interviewing fifteen nurses responsible for preparing such children. The results showed that nurses observe the child's (1) physical and mental condition, (2) level of comfort in an unfamiliar environment, (3) relationship with his or her parents, (4) ability to understand what people are saying, (5) initiative in trying to perform activities independently, (6) understanding of the nature of these procedures, and (7) realization that something is going to happen and readiness to face it. The assessment is concluded by observing three more aspects: (8) the child's reaction after he or she realizes what was going to happen, (9) his or her readiness for the procedure, and (10) parents' cooperation in the medical treatment as well as their letting the child know that he or she is going to undergo these procedures.
