What to do if a patient has phlebitis?
What to do if a patient has phlebitis?
Whatever the cause of phlebitis, remove the catheter as soon as possible. Notify the patient’s health care provider. Monitor the patient’s vital signs and the I.V. site, and apply a warm, moist compress to the affected area as ordered.
What is the purpose of a phlebitis score?
VICC research indicates that the Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) score is a tool for monitoring infusion sites that determines the appropriate discontinuation of peripheral intravenous catheters.
How do you reduce phlebitis?
In general, superficial phlebitis of the upper and lower extremities can be treated by applying warm compresses, elevation of the involved extremity, encouraging ambulation (walking), and oral anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], diclofenac [Voltaren, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR], etc.).
What is the phlebitis score?
Phlebitis Grading Scale
| Site Observation | Score |
|---|---|
| IV site appears healthy | 0 |
| One of the following signs is evident: Slight pain near the IV site OR Slight redness near IV site | 1 |
| TWO of the following are evident: Pain at IV site Redness | 2 |
| ALL of the following are evident: Pain along path of cannula Redness around site Swelling | 3 |
Which is the most serious type of phlebitis?
Deep vein thrombophlebitis: A blood clot plus vein swelling in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Deep vein thrombophlebitis is the most serious type of phlebitis. If the blood clot breaks away from its location in the arm or leg and travels to the lungs, it can cause a deadly condition called pulmonary embolism.
How does phlebitis affect the surface of the skin?
The thrombus in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins. Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins. Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly.
What does it feel like to have phlebitis?
Phlebitis, or inflammation of a vein, is a condition where a leg vein and surrounding tissues have become irritated, red, warm, and tender. In an area of phlebitis, the skin can feel as if there are knots or lumps underneath the skin surface.
Can you get phlebitis in both surface and deep veins?
Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins. Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.