Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Pediatrics Nursing

Heel lances, vein punctures and arterial punctures are the most frequently performed painful procedures in neonatal intensive care units. The aim of the study was to compare pain response to vein puncture versus heel lance among preterm infants undergoing blood sampling.A comparative descriptive research design was utilized on a convenient sample of sixty preterm infants less than thirty-seven weeks of gestation who were undergoing blood sampling for complete blood count, blood chemistry and glucose estimation. Neonatal characteristics, blood sampling assessment sheet and Premature Infant Pain Profile scale were used to collect data from two neonatal intensive care units of both EL Monira Pediatric Hospital and El Manial (Kaser Al Aini) of Cairo University. Results: The total mean of Premature Infant pain Profile score significantly increased during vein puncture than heel lance, behavioral state was significantly more unstable during vein puncture than heel lance. Venipuncture procedure significantly increased heart rate and decreased oxygen saturation more than heel lance. Conclusion: Vein puncture is the more painful procedure than heel lancing among preterm infants undergoing blood sampling. Vein puncture procedure should be minimized as much as possible in preterm infants and Premature Infant Pain Profile Scale in the routine assessment for preterm infants were recommended

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