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IDEAS THAT WORK
WIGGLE YOUR TOES
The Power of
Distraction When
Starting An IV
T
he "distraction
method" is a popular
way to put the
patient at ease when it's time
for the needlestick. Ask the
patient you're starting an IV
or drawing blood on to wiggle her toes at the same time
you're going to insert the
needle into the skin. It takes
her mind off of the IV stick,
making her wonder why
she's being asked to wiggle
her toes. It has worked for
many needle-phobic patients.
MIND GAME It helps to distract patients
before the IV stick.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | M A R C H 2013
