Nursing Intervention for Enhancing Blood Transfusion Experience in Thalassemic Children
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v17i02.008Abstract
Background: Children with thalassaemia require frequent and prolonged blood transfusions as part of their treatment, which often leads to physical discomfort and emotional distress, negatively affecting their overall well-being and cooperation during procedures. Nursing care plays a critical role in mitigating these challenges and improving patient comfort. Deep breathing is a simple, non-pharmacological technique that has been shown to reduce anxiety and discomfort while positively influencing physiological functions; however, its effectiveness varies among individuals. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of deep breathing exercises in stabilising key physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature) among children with thalassaemia undergoing blood transfusion. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 80 children diagnosed with thalassaemia at the Thalassaemia Center for Genetic Blood Disorders. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group or a control group using convenience sampling. The intervention group performed deep breathing exercises during transfusion, while the control group received standard care. Physiological parameters, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, were measured before, during, and after transfusion. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in physiological parameters compared with controls. Heart rate and respiratory rate decreased significantly (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), while oxygen saturation increased (p < 0.001). No significant change was found in blood pressure (p = 0.12). These findings confirm the effectiveness of deep breathing in stabilising physiological responses during transfusion. Conclusion: Deep breathing exercises are an effective nursing intervention that improves physiological stability and enhances the transfusion experience for children with thalassaemia. Incorporating this simple, low-cost technique into paediatric transfusion care may promote comfort and improve clinical outcomes.
Keywords:
Blood Transfusion, Deep Breathing, Nursing Care Physiological Parameters, ThalassaemiaDownloads
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