A nurse is preparing to insert a peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter for a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Place the IV catheter on the dominant arm: Using the dominant arm may limit the child’s ability to play or perform daily activities comfortably. The nondominant arm is usually preferred to preserve function and reduce frustration. B. Apply vapocoolant spray before the IV insertion: Vapocoolant sprays or topical anesthetics are effective in reducing pain and anxiety during IV insertion in children. This intervention helps improve cooperation and decreases procedural distress. C. Ask the child to hold their breath while the IV catheter is placed: Breath-holding is not an appropriate distraction or coping technique for preschoolers during IV insertion. It does not provide pain relief and may increase anxiety. D. Explain the procedure to the child in detail: Preschoolers have limited understanding of complex explanations, and too much detail can increase fear. Instead, age-appropriate, simple explanations with reassurance and distraction techniques are more effective.