What is a recommended approach when a patient is anxious about injections?

• A. Provide supervised practice injections to build confidence
• B. Stop injections entirely
• C. Switch to oral medication
• D. Dismiss fears

Answer: (A)

When a patient is anxious about injections, guided, supervised practice injections in a supportive setting are most effective. This approach turns fear into familiarity by giving the patient hands-on experience with the procedure while the clinician provides reassurance, coaching, and immediate feedback. Repetition in a controlled environment helps the patient learn the exact technique, what to expect, and how to cope with discomfort, which boosts confidence and reduces anticipatory anxiety. Practical steps—demonstrating the injection on a model, letting the patient handle a saline syringe, and then performing the injection with slow, deliberate technique and options for pain reduction (topical anesthesia, calm breathing, distraction)—make the experience safer and more tolerable. Preserving the injection plan is important for osteoporosis treatment adherence; stopping injections, switching to an oral alternative when not appropriate, or dismissing fears would not address the patient’s anxiety and could jeopardize outcomes.