Which items would the nurse select as the best to support therapeutic play for a child who receives daily injections of medication?

Choice A rationale A doll with a cast is used to help a child process an injury or surgery involving immobilization. While therapeutic, it does not directly address the child's daily experience of receiving injections, which is the specific stressor the nurse is trying to help the child manage through play. Choice B rationale A stuffed bear with band-aids allows the child to engage in symbolic play by administering care to the toy, mirroring their own medical experience. This activity provides an opportunity for the child to gain a sense of control and express feelings related to the procedure, making it the most therapeutic and developmentally appropriate choice for this situation. Choice C rationale Providing a child with a real syringe and needle, even under supervision, poses a safety risk and may not be appropriate for therapeutic play, especially for a young child like a toddler or preschooler. Child life specialists typically recommend using play syringes without needles or other safe replicas to enact the procedure. Choice D rationale An anatomically correct doll is often used for teaching older children about body changes, puberty, or sexuality, or for teaching very specific medical procedures. For a simple injection experience, a generic doll or stuffed animal is usually more effective for general therapeutic play and emotional processing.