A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

Rationale: A. Stagger care to avoid taking more than one specimen at a time: While staggering procedures can reduce cumulative stress, it is not a primary strategy for obtaining cooperation from a preschooler for a single blood draw. B. Apply vapocoolant spray immediately prior to collecting the specimen: Vapocoolant sprays can help numb the skin, but their use in preschoolers requires caution, as sudden cold sensations may startle or frighten the child. Additional preparation and explanation are necessary for acceptance. C. Ask the parents to leave the room prior to collecting the blood specimen: Preschoolers often feel more secure and cooperative when a parent is present. Removing the parent may increase anxiety and resistance to the procedure, so parental support is usually encouraged. D. Demonstrate the use of the equipment for the child: Preschoolers benefit from simple, age-appropriate explanations and demonstrations of medical equipment. Showing how the equipment works helps reduce fear, build trust, and increase cooperation during the blood draw.