A child who only requires esophageal dilatation may have 12 to 15 admissions whereas a child who requires esophageal replacement may have 20 or more admissions. How a child maintains psychological equilibrium depends on how successfully he can cope with the multiple stressors thrust upon him. However, it is not just the child who is affected by the long-term nature of the corrosive substances ingestion, the financial as well as emotional nature of the problem places severe stress on the family as a unit. The primary nurse, in providing family-centered care, must assess the multiple family stressors and intervene. This nurse should also act as a coordinator in order to assist the family in dealing with various other health care disciplines and to facilitate communication between the various health care professionals.