What factor increases stress for an 8-year-old during a difficult IV start when previous sticks occurred and child is alone?

What factor increases stress for an 8-year-old during a difficult IV start when previous sticks occurred and child is alone?

• A. Fear of pain from the IV start.
• B. Having a supportive parent present.
• C. Short wait time.
• D. Excellent pain control.

Answer: (A)

When a child has already experienced painful IV attempts, anticipation plays a big role in stress. The brain starts to associate the procedure with pain, so the moment the attempt is anticipated, the child’s anxiety and physiological arousal rise. Doing the IV alone removes a key calming resource—the caregiver’s support and reassurance—which further amplifies distress. This combination of anticipatory fear and lack of social comfort makes the stress response stronger during a difficult IV start. In contrast, having a supportive parent present, a short wait time, and effective pain control would lessen stress by providing reassurance, reducing uncertainty, and lowering the actual and anticipated pain.

When a child has already experienced painful IV attempts, anticipation plays a big role in stress. The brain starts to associate the procedure with pain, so the moment the attempt is anticipated, the child’s anxiety and physiological arousal rise. Doing the IV alone removes a key calming resource—the caregiver’s support and reassurance—which further amplifies distress. This combination of anticipatory fear and lack of social comfort makes the stress response stronger during a difficult IV start. In contrast, having a supportive parent present, a short wait time, and effective pain control would lessen stress by providing reassurance, reducing uncertainty, and lowering the actual and anticipated pain.