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.