A nurse is preparing to collect a blood specimen from an 8-year-old patient who requires frequent venipuncture related to a chronic illness.The patient is anxious and pulls his arm away as the nurse begins the prep for the procedure.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Involving the child in the procedure and giving them a sense of control and responsibility can help to reduce anxiety and increase cooperation. Applying a topical anesthetic may be helpful, but it does not address the underlying anxiety and may not be necessary if the child can be engaged in the process. Asking a parent to restrain the child or requesting assistance from another staff member to restrain the child is not appropriate as it can be traumatic for the child and is not in line with best practices for patient-centered care.

A Nurse Is Preparing to Collect a Blood Specimen from an 8-Year-Old