Sammy Is a 6-Year-Old Patient Who Needs to Have Blood

Multiple Choice

Sammy is a 6-year-old patient who needs to have blood drawn for testing. He is obviously anxious about the procedure, and his mother appears to be just as upset as Sammy is. Which of the following approaches should you take to reassure Sammy and his mother?

A) Ignore Sammy and explain the procedure to his mother, then allow her to calm his fears.
B) Explain the procedure to Sammy and his mother using simple language that they can understand.
C) Use technical language to explain the procedure, so they will know you are knowledgeable.
D) Tell Sammy and his mother that it won't hurt a bit.
E) Ask Sammy's mother if there is a friend or relative they can call to help calm Sammy.