Final answer:
To put a 7-year-old at ease before an injection, a medical assistant should use distraction techniques, numbing cream, provide a clear explanation of the procedure, and offer emotional support. Combining these approaches can help alleviate the child's anxiety and make the experience less stressful.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant should use a combination of techniques to ease a 7-year-old child's anxiety prior to administering an injection. Firstly, the distraction technique can be highly effective to divert the child's attention from the procedure. This could involve talking to the child about their interests or using toys or videos.
Secondly, the use of a numbing cream can help by reducing the sensation of pain. Numbing creams are applied to the skin before the injection to desensitize the area.
Providing a clear explanation of the procedure is also important. This should be done in a child-friendly manner that is honest but also reassuring, avoiding any technical or potentially frightening language.
Lastly, providing emotional support can play a crucial role in helping the child feel safe and comforted. Emotional support can include holding the child's hand, using calming words, and offering praise and comfort during and after the injection.