The physician has ordered a complete blood count for a 6-year-old child.When the nurse enters the room,she finds the child sobbing uncontrollably.His mother tells him to "shut up and act your age." How should the nurse proceed?
A) Request that the mother leave the room immediately.
B) Request the help of a coworker to hold the child down.
C) Inform the child that "this won't hurt a bit."
D) Calmly approach the child and tell him what is going to happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Having blood drawn may be uncomfortable and frightening for a 6-year-old child.A calm approach can alleviate some of the fear.Explain to the child's mother that the boy's behavior is normal.Informing the child that the blood draw will not hurt is wrong and will make him distrustful of future interventions.The nurse may need the help of a coworker,but she should first try a calm approach.

The Physician Has Ordered a Complete Blood Count for a 6-Year-Old