Effect of hydrogel bandage applicator together with wound care bandage in the prevention of indwelling intravenous catheter phlebitis

Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevention of indwelling intravenous catheter phlebitis through nursing care. Methods 300 cases of postoperative patients admitted to the gynecology department, from January 2010 to October 2010, were randomly assigned into 3 groups. The punctured regions were treated by cold magnesium sulfate gauze together with wound care bandage （ experimental group 1 ）, hydrogel bandage applicator together with wound care bandage （experimental group 2 ）, and wound care bandage （control group）, respectively. The intravenous catheter retention time and incidence of phlebitis were observed. Results The 3-day retention rate of indwelling intravenous catheter of the three groups was 86%, 97%, 71%, respectively. There were significant differences between experimental group 1, experimental group 2 and the control group （ Hc = 6.80,26.15 ; P 〈 0. 05 or P 〈 0. 01 ）. There was also significant difference between experimental group land experimental group 2 （ Hc = 7. 80, P 〈 0. 05 ）. The incidence of phlebitis was 23%, 6%, 44%, respectively. There were significant differences between experimental group 1, experimental group 2 and the control group （ Hc = 9.94,38.64; P 〈 0. 05 or P 〈 0. 01 ）. There was also significant difference between experimental group land experimental group 2 （ Hc = 11. 81, P 〈 0. 01 ）. The effective rate of phlebitis prevention was 90%, 97%, 78%, respectively. Conclusions The use of magnesium sulfate or hydrogel bandage can effectively extend the indwelling intravenous catheter retention time and prevent catheter phlebitis, and the latter may be superior in preventing phlebitis. Key words: Phlebitis; Dressing; Hydrogel bandage; Prevention; Indwelling intravenous catheter