QUESTION 13 OF 30

How would you try to calm down an upset pediatric patient?

As a pediatrician, you must have compassion and patience when working with your pediatric patients. Many will be scared to go to the doctor, and they will naturally be upset if they are sick or injured. When a pediatric patient is upset, you want to get down on their level, take time for them to warm up to you, use appropriate terms for their age, make the environment comfortable, and let them have a toy or caregiver to comfort them. The interviewers want to hear your techniques for comforting an upset patient to gain insight into your compassionate nature, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.

"It depends on the age of the child. Infants are going to be different in calming down than older patients. But overall, I approach the patient slowly while introducing myself. I would have the parent or caregiver hold the child if it makes them feel more comfortable and get to their eye level. If the patient had a stuffed animal or toy with them, I would offer it to them or have the parent offer it to them. Before doing anything to the patient, I would explain everything I would do. If I were to listen to their lung sounds, I would show them the stethoscope and have them hold it and listen through it if they wanted to. I have two nieces and would practice the same techniques as I do with them. Talking in a soothing voice and distracting them from the situation always seems to help."

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Pediatric Residency Mock Interview

How would you try to calm down an upset pediatric patient?

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30 Pediatric Residency Interview Questions & Answers