When planning care for a 1-year-old scheduled for hypospadias repair, which factor should the nurse consider?

When planning care for a 1-year-old scheduled for hypospadias repair, which factor should the nurse consider?

• A. Fears of separation are minimal at this age.
• B. The child is most concerned with body image.
• C. This surgery is taking place at a time when fears of separation are great.
• D. Pain management is less important in infants.

Answer: (C)

Infants around one year old rely heavily on their caregiver for security, and separation anxiety is at its peak during this period. When planning care for a 1-year-old scheduled for hypospadias repair, the nurse must anticipate distress from being separated from the parent and arrange for the parent to stay with the child as much as possible, use familiar comfort items, and maintain routines to ease the transition into surgery. This approach helps reduce fear, supports cooperation during preop and induction, and promotes a smoother recovery. Body image concerns aren’t relevant at this age, and while pain management is important, the question highlights the emotional need to minimize separation.

Infants around one year old rely heavily on their caregiver for security, and separation anxiety is at its peak during this period. When planning care for a 1-year-old scheduled for hypospadias repair, the nurse must anticipate distress from being separated from the parent and arrange for the parent to stay with the child as much as possible, use familiar comfort items, and maintain routines to ease the transition into surgery. This approach helps reduce fear, supports cooperation during preop and induction, and promotes a smoother recovery. Body image concerns aren’t relevant at this age, and while pain management is important, the question highlights the emotional need to minimize separation.