He's 8 years old.
I'm taking him for a blood test soon.
How can i make it less stressful for him ? He hates needles.
Can he sit on my lap - or is he to old ?
How can i keep him calm ?
2007-01-01 05:15:18 · 8 answers · asked by molly m 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
As someone mention distraction can work, depending on your son. He isn't too old for you to hold him.
You can talk to him about the test before & what
all will happen, if he doesn't know about all the details.
Tensing up makes the experience worse, help him focus on his breathing. I found lying down helps too.
He might be too old for the info below but I thought I might include it anyway, you can update the info. (age appropriate).
You can role play: get a doll & a syringe (they have doctors sets for kids, that includes syringe, stethoscope, blood-pressure sleeve, etc.) You can start the game & do all the things which will happen to him on the doll. He can do the same things. The fear is not knowing what will happen.
You could ask him what would make the doll feel better,
if the doll hates needles. This might give you a clue about his feelings.
Hope this helps. :)
2007-01-01 05:48:34 · answer #1 · answered by Fraulein 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely the needle used for blood to be drawn during a blood test is a 23 gauge needle. Its very small and not painfull. The anxiety comes from seeing the needle and thinking about pain. It is very common for people to associate pain with needles.
Two different options:
-Have the Dr or nurse, stick you first. This will set an example for your son. It will show him it doesnt hurt. Thats unless you have a fear of needles.
-Talk to the Dr or nurse before and let them know your sons fear and not to let him see the needle. Then during the procedure keep him from looking at his arm. You keep his attention. Talking about his sports, pets, etc. As long as his mind is on you, talking with you. Ask him questions, etc and have a conversation. He wont even feel the needle.
Please dont give him attention with a game boy or toy. His arm will need to be straight for the blood draw. So he will only have one arm to play the game and that wont hold his attention. His focus will be thinking about the needle, not playing a video game.
2007-01-01 13:31:35 · answer #2 · answered by Iceplayr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should explain to him that it can be uncomfortable, but EVERYBODY has blood tests, and they all get through them just fine. Just tell him not to look at the needle, hold his hand, and maybe even tell him if he can get through the test well enough, that you guys can go out for ice cream, pick up a little toy, or have some friends over soon. A bloodtest is no fun and depending on the kind of child you have, there's usually not too much you can do to assuage the situation. No one likes blood tests. :(
Good luck. :)
2007-01-01 13:27:21 · answer #3 · answered by KatyScarlett 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's okay to have your son sit on your lap. Put him on your lap with his arm outstretched, not facing the lab tech. Talk with him about something he's really interested in. Get the lab tech involved in the conversation and if he has a favorite 'something', take it with you to the lab. Don't allow him to look at the needle or when the blood is being taken. You shouldn't look either...look at your son and keep talking. This should keep him calm and you will be able to control his fear.
2007-01-01 13:37:40 · answer #4 · answered by Barbie K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 - Make sure he looks away
2 - Take him for a treat when it is done as a reward for not scaring the nurse from having children [even though she's probably seen it all - kids at that age seem to think that reasoning is funny but can see the truth in it!]
Don't make him sit on your lap unless he asks to. Don't make a big deal about it. He'll pick up on your tension and it will make it worse!
2007-01-01 13:35:51 · answer #5 · answered by PinkPrincessNerd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some kids benefit from applicatin of EMLA cream- it's a numbing cream that will make the needle stick completely painless. the only catch is that it must be applied 1 hour before the blood draw in order to work, and not all facilities have it available. also some people think it causes vasoconstriction so that it may be harder to find the vein, but i don't agree with that contention personally.
2007-01-01 14:22:07 · answer #6 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if has a game boy or some thing bring it and he plays and there giving him a blood test less pain and easy
2007-01-01 13:19:06 · answer #7 · answered by Ahmed A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him you're celly to play with, or bring a gameboy or something.
2007-01-01 13:27:46 · answer #8 · answered by *Lisey* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋