Effect of imagery on children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization

Children who undergo cardiac catheterization present pain management challenges to nurses. In this experimental study, the investigator examined the effect of imagery on children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization. Twenty-four children, aged 9 to 17 years were randomly assigned to a control, presence, or imagery condition. Physiological, psychological, and behavioral data were used to rate children's pain and anxiety during cardiac catheterization. Children in the imagery condition displayed fewer distress behaviors during cardiac catheterization. Children in the presence condition reported the lowest levels of pain. Cortisol elevation over baseline was lowest in the control group, a result consistent with findings in previous studies. Several correlations of interest are reported. Implications for nursing practice and research are discussed.