The nurse is preparing to catheterize an 8-year-old child. Before starting the procedure, which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Explain to the child and the parents that the procedure needs to be done.
• B. Obtain the parent's cooperation before initiating the procedure.
• C. After talking with the parents about the procedure, ask them to leave the room.
• D. Provide the child with privacy by conducting the procedure in the treatment room.

Answer: (C)

In pediatric care, the first step before a sensitive procedure is to inform the family and obtain consent in an age-appropriate way. Begin by discussing the catheterization with the parents (and include the child in the discussion to the extent appropriate for an 8-year-old), explaining why it’s needed, what will happen, possible discomfort, and how long it will take. This establishes understanding, sets expectations, and secures consent.

After the explanation and agreement, privacy should be provided for the actual procedure. The nurse would then ask the parents to leave the room, allowing the child to proceed with the catheterization in a private setting. This helps reduce anxiety and distraction for the child while the procedure is performed, and it aligns with respecting the patient’s privacy during intimate care.