The Effect of 3 Different Local Cold Applications on Pain and Ecchymosis in Subcutaneous Heparin Injections
Archives of Health Science and Research, vol.10, no.3, pp.160-167, 2023 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 10 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2023
- Doi Number: 10.5152/archealthscires.2023.23016
- Journal Name: Archives of Health Science and Research
- Journal Indexes: Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.160-167
- Keywords: cold application, ecchymosis, pain, Subcutaneous injection
- Istanbul University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Objective: The study aimed to examine the effect of 3 different local cold application methods on pain intensity and ecchymosis in subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin. Methods: A randomized controlled experimental study. Participants consisted of patients who were hospitalized and administered subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin. The sample consisted of 54 patients who applied 3 cold applications (thermomechanical analgesia, local coolant spray, and cool-pack). Pain intensity was measured with the visual analog scale and the ecchymosis sizes were measured with the Opsite-Flexigrid Measurement Tool. This study was created in accordance with CONSORT Statement Checklist. Results: The rate of the pain experience (11%) and the mean of pain intensity had the lowest rate/level in the “local cool-pack” application (P < .05). Similarly, the rate of ecchymosis (24.1%) and the mean of ecchymosis had the lowest rate/level in the “local cool-pack” application (P < .05). In the control application, the rate of ecchymosis development at the 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours after subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin injection was found to be significantly higher than in other cold application methods (P < .05). Conclusion: This study provides the information that cool-pack application is the most effective method among the different cold applications used in reducing the complications related to subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin applications.