Which action would NOT be appropriate to help a child cope with IV placement preoperatively?

Which action would NOT be appropriate to help a child cope with IV placement preoperatively?

• A. Discussing the benefits of the procedure
• B. Giving the child needless IV supplements to play with
• C. Allowing the child to perform the procedure with a doll
• D. Explaining the steps of the procedure

Answer: (B)

Helping a child cope with IV placement starts with giving developmentally appropriate information and opportunities for control and familiarity. When we explain what will happen in simple terms, discuss why the procedure is done, and show the steps in a calm, predictable way, fear is reduced because the unknown becomes understandable. Letting a child role‑play with a doll or toy that mimics the procedure gives them a sense of mastery and safety, and guiding them through the steps prepares them for what to expect, which lowers anxiety and increases cooperation. Providing needless IV supplements for the child to play with is not appropriate. Real IV supplies are medical equipment that must be kept sterile and used only in the clinical context. Allowing a child to play with such items can create confusion about what will happen, pose safety risks, and give a false impression that IV therapy is a toy. Use safe, nonmedical toys or dolls to simulate the procedure instead.

Helping a child cope with IV placement starts with giving developmentally appropriate information and opportunities for control and familiarity. When we explain what will happen in simple terms, discuss why the procedure is done, and show the steps in a calm, predictable way, fear is reduced because the unknown becomes understandable. Letting a child role‑play with a doll or toy that mimics the procedure gives them a sense of mastery and safety, and guiding them through the steps prepares them for what to expect, which lowers anxiety and increases cooperation.

Providing needless IV supplements for the child to play with is not appropriate. Real IV supplies are medical equipment that must be kept sterile and used only in the clinical context. Allowing a child to play with such items can create confusion about what will happen, pose safety risks, and give a false impression that IV therapy is a toy. Use safe, nonmedical toys or dolls to simulate the procedure instead.