Respiratory panel collection is a commonly used diagnostic procedure in children with suspected respiratory tract infections; however, it is often perceived as painful and distressing. Inadequately managed pain and fear during such procedures may negatively affect children's emotional responses to future medical interventions.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the effects of two non-pharmacological interventions-a palm stimulator and a stress ball-on pain, fear, and emotional behavior in children aged 6-12 years undergoing respiratory panel specimen collection. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: palm stimulator intervention, stress ball intervention, or routine care (control group).
Pain, fear, and emotional responses will be assessed using validated pediatric measurement tools before, during, and after the procedure. The findings of this study are expected to contribute evidence on simple, practical, and developmentally appropriate non-pharmacological strategies that can be safely integrated into pediatric nursing practice to improve children's procedural experiences.