Effect of Cold Needle on Injection Complications

Abstract

Propose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cold needle (0–2°C) application on pain intensity, ecchymosis rate, and patient comfort during subcutaneous (SC) insulin injections. The hypotheses; When administering insulin via the SC route, a cold needle temperature reduces pain intensity and incidence of ecchymosis. Using a cold needle during subcutaneous insulin injection increases comfort levels.Methods: A semi-experimental two-group design was used. Eighty hospitalized patients receiving SC insulin (Intervention=40, control=40) were included in the study. In the Intervention group, insulin syringes were stored at 0–2°C for at least 2 hours prior to use; in the control group, syringes at room temperature were used. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, SC Route Injection Follow-up Chart, Visual Analogue Scale, and Opsite-Flexigrid Measurement Tool; observations were performed by two different observers.Results: The cold needle application significantly reduced pain intensity immediately after injection and at 24 and 48 hours (p