Pinwheel and Bubble Blowing for Pain and Emotional Responses in Children

Venous blood sampling is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in children during diagnostic and treatment processes and may lead to pain, fear, and negative emotional responses. Such negative experiences in childhood may contribute to the development of anxiety toward healthcare services and reduced cooperation with healthcare professionals during treatment. Therefore, the use of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing pain levels and emotional responses during procedures is of great importance in pediatric care. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of pinwheel and bubble blowing techniques applied during venous blood sampling on pain levels and emotional states in children. This study will be conducted as a prospective, randomized controlled trial in the Blood Sampling Unit of the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital located in Edirne. A total of 66 children aged 3-6 years who will undergo venous blood sampling will be included in the study (pinwheel group: 22, bubble blowing group: 22, control group: 22). Study data will be collected using the Child and Family Information Form, the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, and the Children's Emotional Indicators Scale. During venous blood sampling, pinwheel or bubble blowing techniques will be applied to the children in the experimental groups, while routine procedures will be performed for the children in the control group. The collected data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the dissemination of evidence-based non-pharmacological practices aimed at reducing pain and emotional stress in pediatric nursing care.