What do you do for IV phlebitis?
Monitor the patient’s vital signs and the I.V. site, and apply a warm, moist compress to the affected area as ordered. Continuous application of moist heat over 72 hours, along with administration of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, is the best treatment. Report phlebitis as an adverse patient outcome.
Can you use an IV with phlebitis?
If you have a catheter or IV line, it will likely be removed if it is the cause of the thrombophlebitis. Medicines called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling. If clots in the deeper veins are also present, your provider may prescribe medicines to thin your blood.
What is infusion phlebitis?
Infusion phlebitis is acute inflammation of a vein in the presence of intravenous therapy. In modern medical practice, more than 80% of inpatients will receive intravenous therapy during their admission, and about 20% to 70% of them may develop infusion phlebitis.
How common is phlebitis from IV?
Incidence of phlebitis was higher in the catheters inserted in emergency situations (34%) when compared to non-emergency situations. Patients who were given Intravenous drugs (37.93%) and blood products (53.33%) had higher incidences of phlebitis.
What is the most common IV complication?
The most common include:
- Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein.
- Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein.
- Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein.
- Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume.
- Infection.
What is extravasation IV?
Extravasation (say “ex-truh-vuh-SAY-shun”) is leakage of fluid in the tissues around the IV site. It happens when the catheter has come out of the blood vessel but is still in the nearby tissue. It may also happen if the blood vessel leaks because it is weak or damaged.
Is heat or ice better for phlebitis?
For superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor might recommend applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
Can you put ice on phlebitis?
Apply heat or cold to the affected area. Do this for up to 10 minutes as often as directed. Heat: Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad. Cold: Use a cold compress, such as a cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel.