Pinwheel and Bubble Blowing for Pain and Emotional Responses in Children

The Effects of Pinwheel and Bubble Blowing on Pain and Emotional Responses in Children During Venous Blood Sampling

Venous blood sampling is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in children during diagnostic and treatment processes and may lead to pain, fear, and negative emotional responses. Such negative experiences in childhood may contribute to the development of anxiety toward healthcare services and reduced cooperation with healthcare professionals during treatment. Therefore, the use of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing pain levels and emotional responses during procedures is of great importance in pediatric care.

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of pinwheel and bubble blowing techniques applied during venous blood sampling on pain levels and emotional states in children. This study will be conducted as a prospective, randomized controlled trial in the Blood Sampling Unit of the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital located in Edirne. A total of 66 children aged 3-6 years who will undergo venous blood sampling will be included in the study (pinwheel group: 22, bubble blowing group: 22, control group: 22).

Study data will be collected using the Child and Family Information Form, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and the Children's Emotional Indicators Scale. During venous blood sampling, pinwheel or bubble blowing techniques will be applied to the children in the experimental groups, while routine procedures will be performed for the children in the control group. The collected data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the dissemination of evidence-based non-pharmacological practices aimed at reducing pain and emotional stress in pediatric nursing care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 3-6 years
• Willingness to undergo intravenous blood collection
• Children's ability to apply distraction techniques during blood collection
• No communication problems in children
• No mental or neurological disability in the child
• Venous blood collection performed in a single session
• Parents and children must be willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children not being between the ages of 3 and 6
• Absence of intravenous blood collection request
• Communication problems in children
• Presence of mental or neurological disability in the child
• Complaints that disrupt the child's comfort, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, etc., due to other reasons
• Use of analgesic or sedative medication within 6 hours prior to the study
• Absence of healthy skin integrity
• Repeated attempts
• Unexpected events occurring during blood collection
• Parents or children not volunteering to participate in the study