The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercise on Pain, Anxiety and Patient Satisfaction Related to Femoral Sheath Removal: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: In percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the majority of patients experience pain and discomfort during the sheath removal in the femoral region after the intervention.

Aims: This study aims to determine the effect of progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) on pain, anxiety, and patient satisfaction associated with femoral sheath removal in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods: This is single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. This study was completed with a total of 70 patients. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patients in the intervention group performed PRE for 20 min before femoral sheath removal. The patients in the control group received the standard care provided by the clinic.

Results: The pain and anxiety levels of the intervention group were found to be significantly lower than the control group, while the satisfaction level was found to be significantly higher. After the intervention, the systolic blood pressure of the intervention group was found to be lower. In addition, anxiety before the application and the pain intensity experienced during femoral sheath removal were weakly positively correlated and satisfaction was weakly negatively correlated.

Conclusions: According to the study results, PRE applied before the femoral sheath removal reduces pain and anxiety and increases patient satisfaction. PRE may be an effective intervention to prevent complications that may result from intense pain and anxiety experienced during femoral catheter removal.