A nurse is planning to change the dressings on a school-age child who has sustained multiple burns. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Explain long term consequences of the procedure to the child. This level of detail is not developmentally appropriate for a school-age child. It may increase anxiety without helping the child understand or cope with the immediate situation. B. Remove the dressings while explaining the procedure to the child. While it is important to explain procedures, it should be done before starting to allow time for questions and emotional preparation. Explaining during may cause confusion or distraction. C. Keep equipment out of the child's sight. Hiding equipment can actually increase fear and mistrust. School-age children benefit from open, age-appropriate communication and preparation about what to expect. D. Allow the child to help remove the dressings. This is the most appropriate action. Allowing the child to participate in their care provides a sense of control, reduces anxiety, and helps build trust. It also aligns with the developmental need of school-age children to take on increasing responsibility and be involved in decision-making.