Content area
Full text
How to prevent, identify and treat phlebitis in patients with a venous cannula
Abstract Higginson R, Parry A (2011) Phlebitis: treatment, care and prevention. Nursing Times; 107: 36, 18-21.
Peripheral venous catheter-associated phlebitis is caused by inflammation to the vein at a cannula access site. It can have a mechanical, chemical or infectious cause.
Good practice when inserting a cannula, including appropriate choice of device and site, can help to prevent phlebitis. Good infection control techniques are also vital in preventing the condition.
There are two phlebitis scoring systems, which should be used in routine practice to identify and treat early signs of the inflammation.
Keywords: Phlebitis/Venous catheter/ Infection control
In this article...
* Peripheral venous cannulation is a common procedure used in hospital to deliver fluid and medicine
* Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) can be caused by chemical, mechanical or infectious irritation
* Good practice with cannula insertion and infection control should help to prevent the condition
Peripheral venous cannulation (PVC) is a common procedure carried out in hospital to allow rapid and accurate administration of medication (Endacott et al, 2009). However, the placement of an intravenous cannula can have undesirable effects, the most common of which is phlebitis.
Peripheral catheter-related phlebitis is caused by the inflammation of the tunica intima of a superficial vein. The inflammation is due to irritation of the tunica intima by mechanical, chemical or bacterial sources. If left untreated, it can lead to infection or thrombus formation (Royal College of Nursing, 2010).
It is estimated that in the UK 20-80% of patients with a PVC develop phlebitis (Pandero et al, 2002). This broad range has also been reported in studies from other countries (Uslusoy and Mete, 2008) and suggests poor identification of phlebitis or poor reporting protocols.
It is essential for nurses to be able to identify patients who are at risk of developing phlebitis. In turn, early recognition will enable prompt intervention, minimising disruption to treatment.
Receiving intravenous therapy
Intravenous therapy is indicated for many reasons. A significant number of patients admitted into hospital receive some form of intravenous therapy via PVC.
These include intravenous antibiotic administration, intravenous fluids, intravenous pain relief and/or total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
Intravenous delivery devices include:
* Peripheral cannulas;
*...