Breathing Exercises for Pain and Anxiety During Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation

This study aims to evaluate the effects of guided 4-7-8 and diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed during arteriovenous fistula cannulation on pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Hemodialysis patients often experience pain and anxiety during fistula cannulation, which can negatively affect the treatment process and patient comfort. The study will be conducted as a three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to the 4-7-8 breathing exercise group, the diaphragmatic breathing exercise group, or the control group receiving usual care. In the intervention groups, breathing exercises will be performed with guidance before and during cannulation. The study anticipates that breathing exercises will reduce pain and anxiety, increase comfort levels, and contribute as an easily applicable, side-effect-free method to nursing care. The findings are expected to support the use of non-pharmacological interventions in hemodialysis patients.