Nonpharmacological Methods Used in the Management of Pain Caused by Peripheral Intravenous Catheters

Abstract

Peripheral intravenous catheters are one of the most important tools of modern medical treatment. Although they are commonly used in clinical practice, it is reported that this is painful and uncomfortable for patients. In the previous studies, mostly pharmacological methods have been used to control the pain and discomfort experienced when peripheral intravenous catheters were used. However, although pharmacological methods are effective in controlling pain, they also have disadvantages for patients such as the likelihood of side effects, and additional time and cost. Therefore, there is a need for methods of controlling pain and discomfort, which are cheap, quick and easy to use, and have no possibility of side effects. Nonpharmacological methods are grouped as peripheral treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and treatments other than these methods. Mostly cognitive-behavioral therapy and peripheral techniques have been tried in controlling the pain caused by peripheral intravenous catheters. These techniques have been used to a great extent on pediatric patients, where it was found that blowing up balloons, seeing flashing lights, listening to music, squeezing a stress ball, watching animation shows, or using a kaleidoscope were effective as methods of attracting attention in reducing the pain due to intravenous catheters. In addition, it has been found that techniques such as the valsalva maneuver, carried out by blowing into a sphygmomanometer and coughing, buzzy usage, and ice application were also effective. The aim of this review study was to investigate nonpharmacological methods and their effectiveness in controlling the pain experienced during peripheral intravenous catheterization.

Keywords: Nonpharmacological methods, pain, peripheral intravenous catheters

Cite this Article

Yılmaz D, Dikmen Y. Nonpharmacological Methods Used in the Management of Pain Caused by Peripheral Intravenous Catheters. Journal of Nursing Science and Practice. 2016; 6(3): 61–66p.