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ABSTRACT:
The study to assess the effect of dry cold application on pain perception and ecchymosis among patients receiving low molecular weight heparin was conducted using true experimental posttest only control group design. Using total enumerative sampling technique 25 samples were selected and randomly assigned to experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=12). Dry cold application was given for 3 minutes on the LMWH injection site for the experimental group. Pain perception and ecchymosis was assessed using numerical pain rating scale and transparent ruler scale respectively. Using unpaired 't' test, the effect of dry cold application on pain perception was analyzed immediately after withdrawing the needle, after 4 hours and 8 hours(t = 2.205, 2.827 and 2.912 respectively, df = 23, p < 0.05) and ecchymosis was analyzed after 48 hours and 72 hours (t = 2.129 and 2.118 respectively, df = 23, p < 0.05). Hence it is concluded that application of dry cold is effective in reducing the level of pain perception and ecchymosis among patients receiving low molecular weight heparin.
KEYWORDS: Dry cold application, pain perception, ecchymosis.
INTRODUCTION:
Health is the functional efficiency of a living organism(Webster, 1913). Health systems need to be strengthened to deliver better care for peoples. Primary care is the only access to medical treatment and use of low-technology interventions(United National Report, 2007). Subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is frequently prescribed for stroke, deep vein thrombosis and other cardiovascular disorders. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a class of medication used as an anticoagulant. They are administered subcutaneously in fixed doses once or twice daily (Melba and Priyalatha, 2009).
NEED FOR THE STUDY:
Approximately 318 patients receive Injection LMWH per year in a selected hospital, Coimbatore. Subcutaneous administration of heparin is a frequently performed nursing intervention(Batra, 2014). Pain and Ecchymosis are the common side effects associated with LMWH. Dry cold application is a simple and inexpensive therapy which has been accepted for an effective non pharmacologic intervention for pain management and progression of ecchymosis (Melba and Priyalatha, 2009).
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:
Effect of Dry Cold Application on Pain Perception and Ecchymosis among Patients...