Identify a CLS approach to reduce separation from family for hospitalized children?

• A. Isolate the child from the family to reduce noise.
• B. Use strict visitation limits with no flexibility.
• C. Encourage family presence and implement transitional routines to support handoffs and consistency.
• D. Focus care solely on clinical tasks without considering family routines.

Answer: (C)

Reducing separation for hospitalized children comes from placing families at the center of care and creating predictable routines around transitions. When families are present and engaged, the child feels secure, which supports coping, cooperation with care, and emotional well-being. Encouraging family presence means letting parents stay with the child, participate in calming activities, bring familiar objects, and be present during procedures when appropriate. Implementing transitional routines gives the child and family a sense of continuity during handoffs—each shift should include a clear greeting, a simple explanation of what will happen next, and consistency in routines so the child knows what to expect. These practices foster attachment, reduce anxiety, and improve overall experience and outcomes.

Options that isolate the child from family, enforce rigid visitation with no flexibility, or focus only on clinical tasks neglect the child’s psychosocial needs and run counter to family-centered care, making them less effective for reducing separation.