Episode 16: January 24, 2018 - Phlebitis: Mechanical, Chemical, Bacterial, Oh My!

Infusion therapy-related phlebitis is the most common, and preventable, complication of infusion therapy. Phlebitis prevention begins with critically assessing and evaluating the therapy ordered and the patient’s vascular status. Strict adherence to established insertion policies and procedures as well as frequent assessment can greatly reduce the occurrence of this complication.

Guest:
Irma Sivieria, MS, BSN, CRNI®, VA-BC
Vascular Access Clinical Coordinator
South Shore Hospital, Weymouth, MA

Knowing how to treat infusion therapy-related complications means recognizing the signs and symptoms. Identifying the problem as early as possible will significantly impact positive patient outcomes. Treating the sequelae of unrecognized complications can be costly, result in poor outcomes, and decrease patient satisfaction.

Infusion therapy-related phlebitis is the most common, and preventable, complication of infusion therapy. Phlebitis prevention begins with critically assessing and evaluating the therapy ordered and the patient’s vascular status. Strict adherence to established insertion policies and procedures as well as frequent assessment can greatly reduce the occurrence of this complication.

Resources:

2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice

Policies and Procedures for Infusion Therapy, 5th Edition

INS Phlebitis Scale

GradeClinical Criteria
0No symptoms
1Erythema at access site with or without pain
2Pain at access site with erythema and/or edema
3-Pain at access site with erythema
-Streak formation
-Palpable venous cord
4-Pain at access site with erythema
-Streak formation
-Palpable venous cord > 1 inch in length
-Purlulent drainage

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked