Effectiveness of Valsalva Maneuver on Pain among Patients Undergoing Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation

Abstract

Background: Peripheral intravenous cannulation is a frequent procedure nurses perform that causes pain and anxiety to patients. The valsalva maneuver performed during venous cannula insertion can effectively reduce the incidence and severity of venipuncture pain in adults. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of valsalva maneuver in reducing pain among adult patients undergoing peripheral intravenous cannulation. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was adopted in this study, which was conducted at the surgical and medical departments of Mansoura University Hospital. A purposive sample of 60 patients who were randomly classified into two groups: The study group consisted of 30 patients who underwent peripheral intravenous cannulation during valsalva maneuver, and the control group comprised 30 patients who were punctured using the routine method. The patients’ pain scores were evaluated 2 min after cannulation using the numerical rating scale for pain, and the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 was used to assess the level of anxiety. Results: In the control group, 40% of the patients had severe pain, whereas, in the study group, 43.3% had mild pain. A statistically significant difference was observed between the control and study groups (p = 0.0023). Moreover, statistically significant differences in pain level and anxiety symptoms were observed between the control and study groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The valsalva maneuver is a simple cost-effective method for decreasing pain and level of anxiety during Peripheral intravenous cannulation. Recommendation: we recommend the use of the Valsalva maneuver before performing the Peripheral intravenous cannulation for reducing pain and related stress during venous cannulation in adults.