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Incorporating play into the care of the hospitalized child.

Play is a primary activity of childhood. It serves a variety of purposes that enhance both the physical growth and the psychosocial development of children. Just as the child's level of knowledge, social abilities, and physical capacities increase, so does the child's use of play. Knowledge of the therapeutic value of play is essential for pediatric nurses to incorporate it into their care plan to facilitate the child's adaptation to the illness and hospital experiences. The use of play during the hospital experience can be effective in reducing the child's anxiety and promoting a sense of mastery. This article explores these issues and provides selected clinical examples to illustrate how nurses can integrate therapeutic play experiences with the care of children.