Effects of balloon inflation and cough trick methods on easing pain in children during the drawing of venous blood samples: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the effects of the balloon inflation and cough trick methods on easing pain in children during the drawing of venous blood samples. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled study, 9- to 12-year-old children in the intervention groups were asked to cough or inflate balloons during the venipuncture procedure. The Faces Pain Scale-Revised was used to assess pain intensity.
RESULTS: Pain intensity significantly differed between the control (n = 44) and intervention groups (balloon inflation [n = 44] and cough trick [n = 44], p < .001). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Coughing and inflating balloons during venipuncture do not require preparation and are time saving, easy, accessible, and effective in reducing pain.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes