Evaluation of Efficacy of Valsalva Maneuver During Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation on Pain

Abstract

Background AimsThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of the Valsalva maneuver during peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion on procedure-related pain. DesignThis work was a prospective randomized controlled study. SettingsStudy was conducted in the orthopedics clinic of a university hospital. Participants/Subjects MethodsThe sample of patients (N = 110) was allocated to the Valsalva maneuver group (n = 55) and control group (n = 55) by using blocked randomization to reduce bias and achieve balance according to age and gender. Pain was evaluated by using Numerical Rating Scale. Systolic/diastolic blood pressure and heart rate before and after the PIVC placement was recorded. ResultsThe patients in the intervention group had less severe pain during the PIVC insertion than the patients in the control group (p ˂ .001). After PIVC placement, systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in both groups (p = .008), no other variables changed significantly. No clinical complication related to the Valsalva maneuver occurred in the intervention group. ConclusionValsalva maneuver can be used as a non-pharmacologic method to reduce pain during PIVC placement.