Answer :
Final answer:
To provide atraumatic care for a child scared of needles, a nurse can explain the procedure in child-friendly terms, use distraction techniques, apply a topical anesthetic, allow the child to sit on a parent's lap, and offer praise or a small reward after the shot. Maintaining a calm and supportive demeanor is also crucial.
Explanation:
A mom brings her daughter in for her kindergarten shots. She tells the nurse she is scared of the needle and begins to cry. What interventions can the nurse do to provide atraumatic care for the child?
To provide atraumatic care for a child scared of needles, a nurse can employ several strategies to help ease the child's fear and ensure the vaccination process is as stress-free as possible. These strategies include:
- Explaining the procedure in a child-friendly manner, ensuring the explanation is age-appropriate and helps the child understand what to expect in a non-threatening way.
- Using a distraction technique, such as playing a video, using a toy, or talking about something the child enjoys, can help shift the child's focus away from the needle and the vaccination process.
- Applying a topical anesthetic to numb the area where the shot will be given can help reduce the physical discomfort associated with the injection.
- Allowing the child to sit on their parent's lap during the vaccination can provide comfort and reassurance, making the experience feel safer for the child.
- Offering praise and a small reward after the vaccination, such as a sticker or a toy, can help create a positive association with the process and make future vaccinations easier.
It is also essential for the nurse to maintain a calm, supportive, and patient demeanor throughout the process, providing reassurance and empathy towards both the child and the parent. This approach can help in minimizing the trauma associated with injections and ensuring the child's wellbeing.
