The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is admitted for minor elective surgery. The child is frightened and anxious. Which intervention is most appropriate?
1) Provide a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, to help the child feel secure
2) Administer a sedative to calm the child's anxiety
3) Encourage the child to talk about their fears and concerns
4) Leave the child alone to allow them to calm down on their own
