What are common signs of medical trauma in children and how do you address them?

• A. Fearful avoidance, nightmares, withdrawal; address with comprehensive prep, parental presence, gradual exposure, and coping tools.
• B. Increased appetite and energy; encourage excessive activity.
• C. No signs; no intervention.
• D. Focus only on physical symptoms.

Answer: (A)

When a child experiences medical distress, emotional and behavioral reactions are common indicators of trauma—things like fearful avoidance of medical settings, nightmares related to procedures, and withdrawal from caregivers or activities. These signs reflect anxiety about procedures and a fear of re-experiencing pain. The most effective response is a child-life informed plan: provide developmentally appropriate prep before procedures, allow parental presence when possible, use gradual exposure and desensitization, and give the child coping tools such as controlled breathing, distraction techniques, and familiar comfort items. This approach helps reduce acute distress, fosters a sense of safety, and builds enduring coping skills for future visits.

The other options don’t fit because increased appetite and energy aren’t typical trauma signs and encouraging excessive activity misses the underlying fear. Saying there are no signs overlooks the emotional and behavioral responses that trauma can cause. Focusing only on physical symptoms ignores the emotional impact and the need for coping support.