"Tune In" to Injection Trepidation

To allay children's fears about immunizations or allergy shots, keep a pocket-sized, battery-operated radio in the office. Before you administer an injection, give the patient the radio and allow him or her to select a station or song. Listening to the self-chosen music not only provides a pleasant and relaxing diversion, it also lessens anxiety by affording the child a sense of control over the situation.

--Sheryl Stone Clay, RN, BSN
        Mason, Ohio

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