Evaluation of “Lignocaine Hydrochloride 2% Jelly†at the Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation on the Intensity of Pain amongst the Patients

Abstract

Intravenous cannulation is usually associated with some amount of pain. The application of Lignocaine hydrochloride jelly at the site prior to peripheral intravenous cannulation has been shown to decrease the intensity of pain. The objective was to study the effect of application of “Lignocaine hydrochloride 2% jelly” at the site prior to peripheral intravenous cannulation on intensity of pain. In a quasi-experimental research design 105 adult patients receiving chemotherapy and undergoing diagnostic tests were studied. Using systematic random sampling technique the patients were randomized into control and experimental group. The “Lignocaine hydrochloride 2%” jelly was applied at the dorsum of hand or inner aspect of forearm for 30 min in experimental group. After 30 min the jelly was removed and IV cannulation was performed. Pain was measured at the venipuncture using verbal numerical rating scale (NRS) in both the groups. Permission to conduct the study was taken from the Ethics Review Committee of the institute. Written consent was obtained from each subject. Demographic characteristics between both the groups were comparable. As per the number of previous cannulation, purpose of cannulation, the size and site of administration of cannula also there was no significant difference between both the groups. There was no significant difference in the NRS scores between control and experimental group. Differences in pain ratings in both the groups were not significantly associated with the demographic variables. The patients receiving chemotherapy and cannulated with 20 gauze cannula had significantly higher pain score. It was concluded that application of “Lignocaine hydrochloride 2%” at the site prior to peripheral intravenous cannulation didn’t have any effect on the intensity of pain.