ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheterization is a painful and uncomfortable procedure and is the most commonly used invasive procedure in healthcare institutions. Compare procedure-related pain and patient satisfaction according to catheter size and insertion site in peripheral intravenous catheterization. METHODS: The study was comparative prospective randomized study. Individual Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, and Patient Satisfaction Scale about Catheterization were used for data collection. RESULTS: The highest pain score and the lowest patient satisfaction were determined in 20 gage insertion in the dorsum of the hand. It was less painful to perform the procedure in the forearm than in the dorsum of the hand. Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the level of pain experienced due to peripheral intravenous catheterization and patient satisfaction with catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: A smaller peripheral intravenous catheter inserted in the forearm resulted in less pain sensation and higher patient satisfaction.
