While the phlebotomist draws blood from a toddler's right arm, the nurse is having the child blow bubbles with the left hand. Which pain management technique is the nurse using with the child?

Question

A) Imagery
B) Hypnosis
C) Distraction
D) Thought stopping

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
Distraction techniques aim at shifting a child's focus from pain to another activity or interest. Blowing soap bubbles is an example of distraction. Substitution of meaning or guided imagery is a distraction technique to help a child place another meaning on a painful procedure. Hypnosis is not a common pain management technique with children but can be effective if a child is properly trained in the technique so that the child can produce a trancelike state to effectively avoid sensing pain. Thought stopping is a technique in which children learn to stop anxious thoughts by substituting a positive or relaxing thought in its place.