Date Approved

2025

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Nursing

First Advisor

Angela Lukomski, DNP.

Second Advisor

Ronald Vincent, DNP.

Third Advisor

Kim Lindquist, PhD.

Abstract

Background Pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS) is a syndrome of physiological and psychological responses that occur in children following exposure to stressful or traumatic medical events. Experiences such as painful procedures, admission to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) or neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and acute injuries may be traumatic to some children. This integrative review aims to identify risk factors associated with PMTS, examine its impact on child development and psychological well-being, and outline nursing interventions for prevention. Methods A search of ProQuest and PubMed was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2020 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing pediatric medical trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to medical events, associated risk factors, developmental and psychological outcomes, and prevention strategies. Results Utilizing the search, nineteen studies were included, which included levels I–VI of evidence per Melnyk’s Hierarchy of Evidence. Risk factors for PMTS included race or ethnicity, avoidant coping styles, pain experiences, sleep disturbances, repeated hospitalizations, invasive procedures, and female sex at birth. Parental coping is the most significant predictor of traumatization; children exposed to parental distress demonstrated higher rates of PMTS compared to those whose parents modeled adaptive coping and positivity. Global delays and neurodevelopmental disorders, notably attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, were the most common developmental consequences. Across the life span, higher risks of depression, anxiety, and medical phobias were seen. Evidence highlighted family-centered care, parental support, and early identification of high-risk children as effective interventions. Conclusion Primary and secondary prevention strategies are crucial to mitigate the long-term developmental and psychological consequences of PMTS. Evidence suggests the implementation of a familybased therapy model. Nurses are key advocates to promote early risk screening upon admission and facilitating timely therapeutic support to reduce the incidence and severity of pediatric medical traumatic stress. Key words: pediatric, pediatric medical traumatic stress, development, neurodevelopment, medical trauma, PTSD, neonatal

Download

Share

COinS