This case report describes the nursing process for a toddler with neck abscess. She first experienced hospitalization and surgical operation. Due to unfamiliar environment and pain, she presented emotional disturbance. Gordon 11 functional health pattern was used to assess the child's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Data was collected by unstructured interview and observation. Three health problems were identified: (1) acute pain due to medical treatment; (2) anxiety due to unfamiliar environment; (3) readiness for enhancing knowledge due to lack of experience and inadequate knowledge. Communication technique, therapeutic play, and FLACC were used to establish relationship between nurse and child and to relieve child's pain and anxiety. In addition, we further enhanced the child's compliance of treatment and care-givers' confidence in caring their child.