Taking Son for a Blood Test. How can i make it less traumatic for him ? ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE?

Question

He's 3 years old. Having blood drawn soon.

Because he is so young - he kicks up a massive fight around needles.

Last time it took, myself & 2 nurses to hold him down. The whole thing was so traumatic for him.

Is there a way of, only me holding him still ?

Really don't want him, being held down again.

Answer 1

there`s an ointment called EMLA ( eutectic mixture of local anesthetic ) its in asmall tube form manufactured by the drug company Astra, you apply it to the area of the skin at least 45 mins before they do the puncture...kids put up a fight because they have been pre-conditioned to the pain, once they know that its not painful and if coupled with appropriate reassurance ( eg: cajoling, a little bribery such as ice cream after ) they generally dont put up a fight any more... im a doctor and i have 3 kids ( 7, 5 and 3 years old ) and wev`e had our share of laboratory work done also.... thanks, hopefully i was of some help to you...

Answer 2

First of all, be calm. Kids pick up on your tenseness. This procedure only lasts a short time. I am always honest with kids ( even little ones, if they can understand).
"It hurts like a pinch and then it is done." DO not lie to him. Unless he is an exceptional 3 yr old ( there are some) he will need to be restrained in some fashion. Drawing blood involves a small sharp needle that must be threaded into a small child's vein ( think tiny garden hose). Any movement on his part can cause injury to the vein and you won't get blood - then the procedure has to be repeated again. Holding him still for the short time it takes is the safest for everyone. Restraint for a short time is not bad. Be calm about it.

Ask for the most experienced phlebotomist with kids. If you cannot be calm, leave the room - your son will do better without your vibes. I know that is harsh, but it is true. Please, never tell a child that "if you are not good, you are going to get a shot." Lots of parents use that one and then wonder why their kids act up.

If you be calm, bring his favorite toy or treat or even really cool bandaid or sticker for afterward. If you do help hold him - inform him of the procedure, let him know his reward, try to distract his attention - but let him know at the moment of the stick. A good way for a parent to hold a child on their lap, is with their leg over the child's ( if they are a kicker).
Bring a distraction for the procedure - one couple always brings their son's favorite DVD and portable player with them. He is three and just holds out his arm now ( no restraints). One holds him on their lap and the other holds the DVD player and they sing along with DVD and it is over. ( Just an idea). It could even be a small stuffed animal that makes noise - whatever he likes the most. Something with sound usually helps..

Ask for a butterfly needle to be used - it is smaller. Make sure you are comfortable with the staff's competency in drawing kids. ( yes, it varies). Use a staff that draws lots of kids - hospital outpatient depts are always a good bet. But lots of places do kids, and there really are good phlebotomists out there.

If it takes several people to hold him down and get it done quickly and technically correctly ( without having to repeat it), it's OK. Try the distractions though. If just you hold him and he cannot be drawn successfully - it will have to be repeated, he may end up with bruises where the vein gets puctured, etc. and in the end it will be much more traumatic for everyone concerned. Take him out for his favorite treat afterwards. Do something fun.

Answer 3

Try asking the nurse to use the butterfly needle. It is really tiny and then ask him to look away and then tell him to think about something that he likes like puppies or even bring his favorite toy in with him use that to distract him. I am deathly afraid of needles myself so stuff like some of the ideas I gave really help me.

Answer 4

I used to be just like that. Maybe you could say something like "You know, all 3 years can sit like good little boys when they get their shots" or maybe try to just talk to him when it's happening. I'm not sure if this works because I don't have kids, but good luck!