A nurse is assisting with care for a 3-month-old infant during a routine immunization. Which nonpharmacological intervention is most effective at reducing pain during the injection?
- A.Applying ice to the injection site for 2 minutes before the injection
- B.Having the caregiver hold the infant in an upright position and offer non-nutritive sucking
- C.Distracting the infant with a brightly colored mobile overhead
- D.Administering the injection as quickly as possible without any preparation
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
B. Having the caregiver hold the infant in an upright position and offer non-nutritive sucking
Rationale
B is correct: Evidence supports that holding an infant upright with a caregiver (skin-to-skin or swaddled) combined with non-nutritive sucking (pacifier) significantly reduces procedural pain responses in infants. This approach activates calming reflexes and is backed by multiple clinical trials. A is incorrect: Ice application is used for older children and adults; cold application in young infants is generally not recommended and is less effective than comforting measures. C is incorrect: Visual distraction has limited efficacy in very young infants who cannot yet deliberately focus attention in the same way older children can. D is incorrect: Speed alone does not reduce pain and eliminates the benefit of comfort measures.
Key concepts