A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prepare the child for the procedure?

Choice A reason: Asking parents to wait outside may increase the preschooler’s anxiety, as parental presence provides comfort. Unless clinically necessary, excluding parents is not ideal, so this action is inappropriate for preparing the child, making it incorrect. Choice B reason: Teaching deep-breathing to a preschooler is challenging due to their developmental stage, and it may not effectively reduce anxiety for a dressing change. Simpler reassurance is more suitable, so this is less effective, making it incorrect. Choice C reason: Explaining the procedure in simple terms helps the preschooler understand what to expect, reducing fear and promoting cooperation. This developmentally appropriate approach aligns with pediatric care principles, making it the correct action for preparation. Choice D reason: Limiting teaching to 20 minutes is impractical for a preschooler, whose attention span is short. Brief, simple explanations are more effective, and prolonged sessions may overwhelm the child, so this is incorrect for preparing them.