The Effect of Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety

INTERVENTION: Intervention 1: Intervention group1: After being transferred from the recovery room to the surgical ward, the patient will receive routine care. Then, using the Ochre tool, the child will be asked to rate their pain level from zero to 10 or choose a similar image. The level of anxiety will also be scored by the researcher using the OSBD‐R tool. Next, the necklace containing 5 drops of the first scent (lavender essential oil made by Ellis Company with health code 36/13365) will be hung around the child's neck by the researcher to inhale the scent. The necklace is made of soft, porous yarn and mesh, which is completely hygienic and hypoallergenic, and its length can be adjusted to be at a safe and appropriate distance from the nose and mouth. The parents/carers will be instructed on how to keep the necklace on the chest and avoid moving or manipulating it. Three hours after the first measurement, the child's pain will be scored using the Ochre tool and anxiety will be scored using the OSBD‐R tool. For proper efficacy and to prevent normalization of the inhaled odor, the odor is renewed and again 3 hours later (6 hours after the first measurement) pain will be scored using the Ochre tool and anxiety will be scored using the OSBD‐R tool. The number of drops and the intervals of patient assessment for pain and anxiety are modeled according to previous similar studies conducted on pediatric populations. Intervention 2: Intervention group2: After being transferred from the recovery room to the surgical ward, the patient will receive routine care. Then, using the Ochre tool, the child will be asked to rate their pain level from zero to 10 or choose a similar image. The level of anxiety will also be scored by the researcher using the OSBD‐R tool. Next, the necklace containing CONDITION: pain and anxiety. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Assessment of anxirty severity in pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy utilizing the OSBD‐R scale (Observed Behavioral Distress Scale– Revise). Timepoint: Post‐operative anxiety levels are assessed by the researcher during the first hour, then three hours and six hours from the first measurement. Method of measurement: OSBD‐R scale (Observed Behavioral Distress Scale– Revise). Assessment of pain severity in pediatric patients who underwent appendectomy utilizing the Ocher pain assessment scale. Timepoint: The child's pain score will be assessed using a 0‐10 numerical rating scale or a similar visual analog scale by the child, one hour post‐surgery, and then at three and six hours after the initial measurement. Method of measurement: Ocher scale. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Age: 7 to 12 years old Underwent appendectomy surgery No history of psychological disorders based on the child’s medical record. No history of asthma or allergic rhinitis based on parental report.