Question

A nurse must do a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child. Which is an important consideration in providing atraumatic care?

a. Use an 18-gauge needle if possible.
b. If not successful after four attempts, have another nurse try.
c. Restrain child only as needed to perform venipuncture safely.
d. Show child equipment to be used before procedure.

Answer 1

An important consideration in providing atraumatic care is to show the child the equipment to be used. Restraint should only be used as needed. Using a smaller needle is recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

An important consideration in providing atraumatic care when performing a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child is to show the child the equipment to be used before the procedure (option d). This helps to alleviate anxiety and fear by familiarizing the child with the tools that will be used. It is essential to create a calm and comfortable environment for the child to minimize any trauma.

Restraint should only be used as needed to perform the venipuncture safely (option c). The goal is to strike a balance between ensuring the child's safety during the procedure and minimizing any discomfort or distress.

Using a smaller needle, such as a 23-gauge or 25-gauge needle, is generally recommended for venipuncture in children, as it causes less pain and trauma compared to larger needles like an 18-gauge needle (option a).