A nurse is preparing to take a 5-year-old child's blood pressure. What is the best way for the nurse to reduce the child's anxiety about this procedure?

Question

a. Do nothing because the more fuss that is made about a procedure, the more anxiety it causes the patient.
b. Explain to the patient that the blood pressure is a vital sign that the doctor has ordered.
c. Tell the child that the blood pressure cuff will "hug" the arm.
d. Ask the child's mother to step outside the room because children frequently do better when alone.

Answer 1

C
Describe physical sensations that will occur during the procedure by telling the child that the cuff will "hug" the arm. Providing information about procedures helps patients feel less anxious because they understand what to expect during the procedure. When preparatory instructions accurately describe the actual experience, the patient is able to cope more effectively with the stress from procedures and therapies. Doing nothing does not prepare the patient properly or address the anxiety. A 5 year old will not understand the term vital signs. Involve the parents with young children.