Choose Your Words with Care
Robert L. Quinn and Carol A. Bizzaro, 1990
Potentially Threatening Words
“This part will hurt.” (The word “hurt” tends
to increase anxiety.)
Less Emotionally Charged Words
“It may feel sore, achy, tight, etc.”
“The medicine will burn.”
“Some children have said the medicine will
feel very warm.”
“The medicine will taste (smell) bad.”
“This medicine may taste or smell different
than anything you had before. After you
take it, you can tell me how it was for you.”
“As big as….”
“Smaller than….”
“As long as…”
“For less time than it takes you to…”
Robert L. Quinn, MS, CCCLS and Carol A. Bizzaro, RNC, MA; children’s Hospital Quarterly; 2
(4,) 1990
1/30/13