Explaining an Indirect Calorimetry Test to Your Child

Below is a social story that you can use with your child to help them to know what to expect during their indirect calorimetry test. Feel free to insert your child’s name into this story when reading with them.

My name is ______________.

Arrive to Children's Mercy's Adele Hall Campus for your blood draw. — I am going to Children’s Mercy. I am going to a have a test called indirect calorimetry. I cannot eat or drink the night before I go to Children’s Mercy.

The Kidney Center at Children's Mercy. — I will go to a place called the Kidney Center. I will tell them that I am here for my test.

The nurse weighs a child in the Kidney Center at Children's Mercy. — I will stand on a scale so the nurse can see how much I weigh.

A nurse checks a child's height in the Kidney Center at Children's Mercy. — I will stand against the wall so the nurse can see how tall I am.

Patient room in the Kidney Center at Children's Mercy — I will go to a room and lay on a bed. Someone can sit by me in a chair. There will be a computer next to the bed.

A child is testing with a clear helmet in the Kidney Center at Children's Mercy. — I will lay on the bed. The person doing my test will help me put on a clear helmet. This will not hurt.

A child lays still for their test in the Kidney Center at Children's Mercy, — My job will be to lay still and not talk until the test is done. I can take off the helmet and leave this room when my test is done.