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Effect of imagery on children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization
1Health Sciences Unit, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Insights
Nurses face challenges managing pediatric pain during cardiac catheterization. Imagery reduced distress behaviors, while a supportive presence lowered reported pain in children during the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pain Management
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Cardiac catheterization in children presents significant pain and anxiety challenges.
- Effective pain management strategies are crucial for pediatric patients undergoing invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of imagery on pain and anxiety in children during cardiac catheterization.
- To compare the effects of a control, presence, and imagery condition on pediatric pain and anxiety indicators.
Main Methods:
- Experimental study design with 24 children aged 9-17 years, randomly assigned to three groups: control, presence, or imagery.
- Assessment of pain and anxiety using physiological, psychological, and behavioral data during cardiac catheterization.
Main Results:
- Children in the imagery group exhibited fewer distress behaviors.
- The presence group reported the lowest pain levels.
- The control group showed the lowest cortisol elevation, aligning with prior research.
Conclusions:
- Imagery can effectively reduce observable distress behaviors in children during cardiac catheterization.
- A supportive presence may be more effective in lowering perceived pain.
- Further research is needed to explore optimal non-pharmacological pain management strategies for pediatric cardiac procedures.
Abstract:
Children who undergo cardiac catheterization present pain management challenges to nurses. In this experimental study, the investigator examined the effect of imagery on children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization. Twenty-four children, aged 9 to 17 years were randomly assigned to a control, presence, or imagery condition. Physiological, psychological, and behavioral data were used to rate children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization. Children in the imagery condition displayed fewer distress behaviors during cardiac catheterization. Children in the presence condition reported the lowest levels of pain. Cortisol elevation over baseline was lowest in the control group, a result consistent with findings in previous studies. Several correlations of interest are reported. Implications for nursing practice and research are discussed.