A hospital stay might cause anxiety. If you need to go to the hospital, knowing what to expect will help.
Why Do People Visit Hospitals?
People go to the hospital for many reasons. Some may be admitted to the hospital via the emergency department. Others will be admitted for surgery, medicine, or other therapies.
Hospital Stay For Teens – What Happens?
If you need to stay in the hospital, you must first be admitted. The admissions team will gather information and fill out forms. Then to your inpatient room.
Many hospitals offer dedicated floors or rooms for hospitalised children and adolescents, with staff specially trained to work with them. Another type of hospital focuses on children and adolescents.
The Hospital Room
A hospital room is similar to a bedroom. A bed, a nightstand, and a chair are standard. Your room will likely feature a window, a phone, and a TV. Most hospital rooms feature bathrooms.
You may have to share a room, but private rooms are occasionally available. If you share a room, your roommate will likely be your age.
Parents can sometimes sleep in their child’s rooms. If you want a parent to stay with you overnight, let the hospital know ahead of time.
Who Will I Meet There?
In most circumstances, you won’t be seeing just one doctor or your usual doctor.
In larger hospitals, especially those for children, nurses, nurse’s aides, and therapists will assist you. In certain institutions, doctors work with medical students and resident doctors who specialise in areas like paediatrics. You may also meet hospital volunteers.
Nurses
Nurses are frequently the first persons you meet in a hospital. Upon arrival, a nurse will inquire about your medical history and any symptoms. He or she will check your vital indicators, including temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. For example, nurses may advise putting a plastic bag over a cast when showering to protect it. When you first enter your room, locate the call button so you can contact a nurse for assistance.
Doctors
A doctor will oversee your hospital care, working closely with other caregivers. It’s possible your doctor is a general paediatrician or family doctor who treats a wide range of medical issues. Or your doctor may be a specialist in a certain area, such as heart or kidney disease. Your doctor will be determined by your hospitalisation reason.
Can I Expect Medical Tests?
Many hospital medical examinations are less painful than a 10-question pop quiz.
Unsurprisingly, nurses may ask you to pee in a cup to test for bacteria, protein, sugar, and other factors. Your blood may be drawn to be tested for issues. Other samples may be obtained and examined depending on your hospitalisation.
Several tests are used to develop body pictures. An X-ray is one form of an imaging exam. X-rays use low-level radiation to penetrate the body and capture images of bones and organs.
Others include:
CT Scan – In this procedure, sophisticated X-rays and computer augmentation provide a detailed 3-D image of bodily parts, especially interior organs.
Ultrasound- Sound waves are used to scan internal organs like the kidneys or liver. Ultrasounds can detect fluid inside the belly and track a baby’s progress during pregnancy.
Echocardiogram- This employs sound waves to examine the heart in detail.
MRI- In MRI, magnets and radio waves are used to create detailed images of body organs, including the brain. Injuries to muscles and ligaments are frequently diagnosed with MRIs (the tough tissue that connects bones).
Some tests or surgeries may mean that you need to learn about urinary catheters.
Hopefully, this post has helped you to understand what you can expect from a hospital stay as a teenager.