When examining children, particularly those who appear apprehensive, I tell them, “I’m just going on a monkey hunt.” I look and listen for the monkey and finally find it with the patellar reflex, and we all get excited. Then I have the child try to cough the monkey out when I listen to the lungs. I keep a finger puppet of a monkey in my pocket that I give to the child at the end of the exam. I’ve had numerous once-timid children come in with confidence on their next visit and ask me to go on a monkey hunt.—REBECCA HUTCHESON, APRN-BC, Fort Morgan, Colo. (149-14)

From the March 01, 2011 Issue of Clinical Advisor

Topics:

Pediatrics Practice Management