Which action should a nurse take to reduce anxiety for a child receiving an intramuscular injection?

The action of drawing a "magic circle" on the injection site can effectively reduce anxiety for a child receiving an intramuscular injection because it introduces an element of play and imagination into a potentially frightening situation. This technique engages the child's creativity and distracts them from the procedure, providing a sense of control and comfort. By transforming a clinical environment into a more playful one, the child may feel more at ease, allowing them to associate the experience with something positive rather than traumatic.

In contrast, explaining the procedure in detail may overwhelm or frighten a child, especially if they lack the developmental understanding to process complex information about medical procedures. Administering the medication right after a nap might not directly address anxiety; while it could ensure the child is well-rested, it does not provide strategies to cope with the fear associated with injections. Having another nurse hold the child down can increase anxiety and feelings of helplessness, creating a negative experience that may lead to further fear of medical procedures in the future.