During dressing changes, which non-pharmacologic intervention can reduce anxiety?

• A. Strict silence and no interaction.
• B. Only analgesics.
• C. Rushing patient.
• D. Distraction, music.

Answer: (D)

Distraction with music is a nonpharmacologic approach that helps reduce anxiety during dressing changes by shifting the patient’s attention away from the procedure. When attention is engaged by pleasant, familiar music, the brain processes the experience differently, activating calming pathways and diminishing the perception of distress or pain. This can lower heart rate and overall arousal, making the procedure feel less daunting. Music is easy to implement, safe, and can be tailored to individual preferences, giving the patient a sense of control and comfort.

Other options don’t yield the same anxiety-reducing benefit in this context: a silent, interaction-free environment removes comforting reassurance and distraction; relying only on analgesics introduces a pharmacologic layer rather than addressing nonpharmacologic comfort; rushing the patient increases fear and distress and undermines cooperation and trust.