The meaning of perioperatory care for the surgical child

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the meaning of perioperatory care for surgical child. It is a qualitative research, in a mode structure of the situated phenomenon, conducted in a general hospital at the North Region of Paraná State, with 10 children from seven to 11 years, who were submitted to surgical procedures for the first time, during the months of January to August 2009. Data collection was performed with semistructured interviews. The results were grouped into four categories: received orientations, procedures undertaken, surgical child’s feelings, and the meaning of care and selfcare. With this analysis we conclude that to care means to teach and to do technical procedures adequated to their age, ensuring the right of permanence of their family and including ludic activities. It is reinforced the need for nurses to present themselves in a more visible way to the child.

Descriptors: Perioperative Nursing; Child, Hospitalized; Qualitative Research.