Author:
Allyson Taylor, RN,
ARNP
This study explores the relationship between the application of a Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) prior to intravenous cannula insertion and pain in the pediatric patient. EMLA is composed of eutectic mixture of 25 mg prilocaine and 25 mg lidocaine. The study examined approximately 60 male and female patients, Black/Haitian, Caucasian/Hispanic, between the ages of four and twelve years of age who require intravenous insertion. Pain was scored by the patients using a 0-lO cm. visual analog scale with the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. This scale was chosen because it was thought the different facial expressions were universal for the different cultures being studied. Visual observation by the researching nurse using the pain scale was also recorded . Adverse side effects were recorded on a separate table. An experimental design was utilized. Patients were randomly assigned to a double blind placebo controlled trial study. The differences between the placebo and treated group was tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. Intravenous insertion was performed on 57 patients, with 29 patients in the placebo group (mean age 8.1 years) and 28 in the EMLA group (mean age 8.0 years). Those children in the EMLA group experienced less pain than those in the placebo group (mean 1.25, and mean 8.39, p < .0001). There was no significance between age, sex, and race. It can be concluded from the results of this study that EMLA, when applied to intact dermal layer of the skin for 45 minutes prior to I.V. insertion can significantly reduce a child's pain.
Allyson Taylor, RN, ARNP, 4100 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 685-4840 H
March 15, 2002
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