The Effect of Therapeutic Play Applied by Using Toy Nebulizer and Toy Mask on Child's Fear and Anxiety Level

Acute diseases constitute the majority of applications made to pediatric emergency services. Inhaled drugs are frequently used in the treatment of childhood acute respiratory system diseases. Nebulizers are the preferred method of administering inhaled drugs. Medical procedures are one of the biggest fears of children, making it difficult to use nebulizers correctly and effectively. The negative reaction of the child to the mask and nebulizer during inhaler treatment causes incorrect inhalation patterns, reducing the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. This causes difficulties in relieving symptoms, increased hospital admission and hospitalization time, more treatment costs, and even negative consequences such as increased morbidity.

Reducing the fear and anxiety seen in children due to the hospital environment and illness is important in terms of children's acceptance of the treatment process. One of the methods used for this purpose is therapeutic play. Pediatric nurses should fulfill their nursing roles and responsibilities by including therapeutic play in their care processes.

Inclusion criteria

• Parent and child volunteering to participate in the study,
• The child is between the ages of 3-8,
• Being admitted due to respiratory system disease,
• Inhaler treatment with a nebulizer will be applied.

Exclusion criteria

• Parent and child not voluntarily participating in the study,
• Intravenous, intramuscular or any other treatment request,
• The child has any genetic, congenital, chronic or metabolic disease,
• The child has vision, hearing and speech problems,
• The child's vital signs are unstable (no fever, tachypnea, etc.) and the need for any emergency intervention.