The Effect of 3 Different Local Cold Applications on Pain and Ecchymosis in Subcutaneous Heparin Injections

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. © 2023 Arch Health Sci Res.. All rights reserved.