Question

The nurse is preparing a 6-year-old for a venipuncture. The boy appears anxious and is crying. How can the nurse foster feelings of control to help minimize his anxiety about the procedure?

Option 1:
Restraining the child gently to prevent movement.

Option 2:
Explaining the procedure in simple terms and offering choices.

Option 3:
Delaying the procedure to allow the child to calm down.

Option 4:
Administering sedation without informing the child.

Answer 1

Option 2, which involves explaining the venipuncture procedure in simple terms and offering the child choices, is the most effective way to minimize anxiety and foster a sense of control.

Step-by-step explanation:

To foster feelings of control and minimize anxiety in a 6-year-old undergoing a venipuncture, the most effective approach would be Option 2: Explaining the procedure in simple terms and offering choices. This strategy helps the child understand what to expect and provides them with a sense of involvement and control over the situation. By using age-appropriate language and perhaps incorporating visual aids like the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, the nurse can help the child express their feelings and concerns. Offering small choices, such as which arm to use or whether they want to count to three or take deep breaths before the needle insertion, can significantly reduce anxiety. This approach contrasts with simply restraining the child, delaying the procedure, or administering sedation without information, all of which could exacerbate the child's fear and sense of helplessness.