Valsalva Maneuver: Reducing Procedural Pain and Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral intravenous cannulation is one of the most prevalent invasive procedures used to treat diseases and it is often painful and distressing for the patients. In patients undergoing IV cannulation the valsalva maneuver is helpful in minimizing pain and anxiety Aim : Evaluate the effectiveness of valsalva maneuver on procedural pain and anxiety for patients undergoing peripheral venous cannulation. Methods : A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to conduct this study on 100 patients undergoing peripheral intravenous cannulation at the Medical Research Institute in Alexandria Hospital. Tools : Three tools were used in this study to collect data. Tool I: Structured Interview sheet, Tool II: Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS): and Tool III Visual Analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in pain severity and anxiety level total mean scores in the study group after application of valsalva maneuver than the control group. Also, there was a significant association between pain level and a total mean score of anxiety. Conclusion : Valsalva Maneuver can be applied during peripheral intravenous cannulation as an effective nursing intervention in decreasing pain and anxiety Recommendations: Valsalva Maneuver should be incorporated in nursing intervention protocols during performing the peripheral intravenous cannulation for reducing pain and anxiety levels.