Comparing the Accuracy of Nurses and Mothers in Estimating the Intensity of Pain and Anxiety of 3–6-year-old Children during Venous Catheter Insertion

Background and Objectives: The accurate estimation of the intensity of children's pain and anxiety makes it possible to plan to minimize their pain and anxiety more accurately. This study was conducted to compare the nurses and mothers' accurate estimation of the intensity of pain and anxiety of 3-6-year-old children during venous catheter insertion. Materials and Methods: In this correlational descriptive study, 150 children in the age group of 3-6 years who needed venous catheter implantation were selected by available sampling method. Intravenous catheter insertion was performed consistently for all children by the same nurse on each shift. During this process, the intensity of pain was recorded using the Wong-Baker Scale, and anxiety was assessed using the Piri Faces Anxiety Scale for Children by both the nurse and mother. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Chi-square correlation coefficient tests in SPSS version 23 software. Results: The mean pain score estimated by the nurse was 3.72±1.1, while that estimated by the mother was 3.7±1.79. There was a statistically significant and direct correlation between the mean pain intensity scores recorded by the nurse and the mother (P≤0.001). The mean anxiety scores assessed by the nurse and the mother were 3.64±1.14 and 3.6±1.72, respectively. There was a statistically significant and direct correlation between the mean anxiety intensity scores recorded by the nurse and the mother (P≤0.001). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant and direct correlation between the mean scores of pain intensity and anxiety assessment of nurses and mothers. Therefore, the mean scores recorded by the mother or nurse can be a valid indicator for estimating the intensity of pain and anxiety in children.