Vol. 4, Issue 9 (2015)

Author(s):
Rajashree Karale and Seema Satve

Abstract:
Pain is referred as the fifth vital sign. Children often experience unpredictable and severe procedure-related pain in hospitals that can be associated with negative emotional and psychological implications. Venipuncture is one of the most commonly experienced procedures by children. Ice pack application is one of the simplest, safest, effective and most widely used techniques for reducing pain. Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of 'ice pack' application at the site prior to venipuncture on intensity of pain. Total 100 subjects were selected by purposive sampling. Randomization was done by lottery method. 50 subjects each in experiment group and control group were assigned. One sister grade 11 was selected from Day care chemotherapy centre to do the venipuncture in both the groups. Ice pack (ice cube covered by flannel cloth over 5*5 cm area around the site of venipuncture) was applied at the site prior to venipuncture for 3 minutes. Null hypothesis for the study was that there is no significant difference in the intensity of pain with or without 'ice pack' application at the site prior to venipuncture at the 0.05 level of significance. Demographic and clinical data was collected. Data was collected by using demographic profile and clinical profile. Pain was assessed in both the groups by using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale pain assessment scale. It measures pain by quantifying pain behavior with scores ranging from o (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). Pain score was compared in both the group. There was a positive correlation between pain score and child's past experience of venipuncture and child’s reaction towards heath care professional in general.