49. Which action by a nurse would be most helpful in preparing a 2-year-old child for immunization?
. Show a video of a child receiving an immunization.
. Offer to provide a toy afterward if the child does not cry.
. Give the child a choice of two injection sites.
. Have the parents discuss the procedure the night before.
Test-Taking Tip
The growth and development stage of a toddler calls for the development of autonomy. By allowing options when they are available, the toddler is better able to express autonomous choice.
Content Area: Child Health, Growth and Development; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Developmental Stages and Transitions
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Answer 1 is incorrect because having a toddler watch a video of what is about to happen may increase the child's anxiety, especially when the video shows the needle. Answer 2 is incorrect because children should be given permission to cry if they want to. It is more helpful to tell children that they should hold still but can cry if desired. Answer 3 is correct because a toddler would best respond to the nurse who allows a choice of injection sites. Giving the child a choice provides a sense of control during this stressful situation. Answer 4 is incorrect because discussing the procedure the night before may increase the child's anxiety and cause the child to resist going to the immunization clinic the day of the procedure.