The clinical nurse specialist is concerned about children's reactions to painful invasive procedures such as intravenous starts. The nurse has decided to use distraction as a means to comfort the school-age child. Depending on the age of the school-age child, which technique might the nurse use to distract the child?

Question

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Distraction techniques vary with the age and interests of the child. For school-age children, blowing bubbles can be an effective distraction because it is a simple, engaging activity that can divert their attention. Music therapy can also be beneficial as it provides a soothing and familiar background that can help reduce anxiety and discomfort. Guided imagery is another appropriate technique for this age group, as it encourages children to imagine a calming place or situation, which can help them relax and distract from the procedure. Hypnosis and sucrose solution are not typically used as distraction techniques for school-age children; hypnosis requires specialized training and is not universally accepted for use with children, and sucrose solution is primarily used for infants to help soothe pain.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Is Concerned About Children's Reactions to Painful