Final answer:
The best approach to prepare a toddler for a procedure is to demonstrate the procedure on a doll, as it aligns with their development stage of learning through play and mimicking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using knowledge of child development, the best approach when preparing a toddler for a procedure is b. Demonstrate the procedure on a doll. Toddlers are in a stage of development where they learn through play and mimicking behaviors. They also understand physical relationships and can solve problems through trial and error. Demonstrating on a doll allows them to observe and process what will happen in a safe and controlled manner, which is important as toddlers also experience separation anxiety and may feel more comfortable after observing the procedure on an inanimate object.
Allowing toddlers to handle and explore equipment could potentially cause them anxiety due to lack of understanding or fear of the unknown. Offering choices can be overwhelming for toddlers in stressful situations, and plan for a teaching session lasting about 20 minutes does not adapt to the typically short attention span of a toddler. Hence, option b aligns best with the cognitive and emotional needs of a toddler during a medical procedure.