The Nurse Is Caring for a Pediatric Patient Who Needs

Multiple Choice

The nurse is caring for a pediatric patient who needs to have an IV line started. The nurse plans to provide EMLA cream (lidocaine/prilocaine) to the patient's arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Rub the cream onto a 2-inch surface of the arm 15 min prior to the procedure.
B) Rub the cream onto a 6-inch surface of the arm 30-45 min prior to the procedure.
C) Place a thick layer of cream under an occlusive dressing on a 2-inch site 1 hr prior to the procedure.
D) Place a thin layer of cream under an occlusive dressing on a 6-inch site 20 min prior to the procedure.