When preparing to give a 5-year-old an intramuscular injection, which action is best?

• A. Tell the child to hold still so the injection would not hurt
• B. Show the child the amount of medication in the syringe
• C. Allow the child to observe another child receiving an injection
• D. Tell the child about the injection immediately before giving it to the child

Answer: (A)

Preventing movement during an intramuscular injection is the key idea. A 5-year-old can understand a simple direction, so telling them to hold still gives a clear, controllable task that helps the nurse stabilize the limb and insert the needle in the correct place. This minimizes tissue trauma and makes the vaccination less painful. While soothing words and gentle restraint as needed are appropriate, the most effective single action is to have the child hold still, because movement increases the risk of a misdirected needle and greater pain. Other approaches, like showing the syringe’s contents, letting the child watch another child receive the injection, or giving a detailed warning immediately before the shot, can raise anxiety and worsen cooperation. Keep a calm tone and provide support, then proceed once the child is still.