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OBJECTIVES Intravenous catheter placement is one of the most common sources of pain for children in inpatient settings. We sought to compare the efficacy of two cryotherapeutic treatments for this procedure: vapocoolant spray versus topical ice-pack. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 95 patients, age 9–18 years, in a pediatric emergency department who required IV catheters as part of their treatment. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive vapocoolant spray, or topical ice-pack for three minutes, prior to IV catheter placement. Subjects completed visual analog scale (VAS) scores for three time points: baseline, pre-treatment with ice or spray, and IV insertion. The principal investigator, and two physicians viewing video recordings of the procedure, also completed VAS scores for observed pain levels. VAS scores were compared using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. RESULTS Although median VAS scores were similar, the change in VAS from baseline was of greater magnitude in the Painease® group, indicating that it may be more effective. More subjects in the Painease® group (76%) felt their treatment worked well, compared to 49% in the ice group. Physician-assigned VAS scores were lower and less variable than those of subjects. Most IV insertions were successful (83%). CONCLUSIONS Vapocoolant spray may be more effective than ice as an analgesic for IV insertion. Subjects were more satisfied with vapocoolant spray. Neither agent caused a decrease in successful IV insertion rates.

Objectives Adolescent female patients who are not sexually active and who present to a pediatric emergency department with abdominal pain require a full bladder prior to transabdominal ultrasound. Procedures to fill the bladder are largely institution or provider dependent. We examined adolescent females' attitudes and opinions toward 2 common methods of bladder filling, intravenous fluid administration and transurethral Foley catheter placement, by means of a Q-sort study. Methods Two convenience samples of adolescent female patients in the pediatric emergency department at an academic children's hospital participated in the study. In part 1, subjects underwent a semistructured interview to elicit their opinions regarding 2 methods of bladder filling: intravenous fluid or transurethral catheter. The summation of subject statements was then narrowed down to a final Q set of 25 statements. In part 2, a second sample of subjects independently arranged this Q set according to their own agreement or disagreement with each statement. Principal components analysis was conducted to examine factors or collections of statements representing a shared viewpoint and to describe commonalities. Results Part 1 was completed with 9 subjects, and part 2 with 26 subjects. Factors revealed from the Q-sort data included acceptance of tests deemed medically necessary, desire for parental involvement, and a wish to minimize discomfort. Most adolescents aligned with 1 of these 3 factors. Conclusions Adolescent female patients varied in their attitudes and opinions regarding intravenous catheter hydration and Foley catheter placement for transabdominal ultrasound. Knowledge of adolescent viewpoints may help better inform practitioner-patient communication for this procedure.