Risk Factors for Phlebitis in Patients with Peripheral Intravenous Catheters

Fengmei Tan,Hongyan Wu,Liping Li,Wenhua Li,Lixia Nie,Silin Zheng

doi:10.5539/gjhs.v12n1p41

Abstract

Introduction: The study investigated the risk factors of phlebitis associated with infusion by peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC).  Methodology: Hospitalized adults (n = 506) were placed with PIVCs by trained nurses. Rates of phlebitis were noted according to PIVC gauge, insertion site, and dwell time; and type and volume of infusion solution.  Results: The development of phlebitis appeared to be significantly associated with the size of the outer diameter of the PIVC. The rate of phlebitis among patients given a hypertonic infusion solution was significantly higher; and also associated with infusion volume. There was no difference in phlebitis development among insertion sites, and dwell times among these sites were comparable.  Conclusion: The risk of phlebitis increased with the PIVC size and volume of infusion solution, and use of a hypertonic solution. The recognition of risk factors and standardized intervention may reduce the occurrence of phlebitis associated with PIVC use.

Highlights

The study investigated the risk factors of phlebitis associated with infusion by peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)
The risk of phlebitis increased with the PIVC size and volume of infusion solution, and use of a hypertonic solution
The recognition of risk factors and standardized intervention may reduce the occurrence of phlebitis associated with PIVC use

Summary

Introduction

The study investigated the risk factors of phlebitis associated with infusion by peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). The peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is the most common means of vascular access for administering intravenous fluids or parenteral nutrition. Complications include catheter extrusion, occlusion, thrombosis, infection, infiltration, and phlebitis. Such failures result in replacement of the PIVC and interruption in treatment. The principle reason for PIVC failure is phlebitis, a localized redness, pain along the length of the vein, or a cord-like or hard vein (Enes, Opitz, Faro, & Pedreira Mde, 2016; Piper et al, 2018), occurring in as many as 41.2% of patients (Pasalioglu & Kaya, 2014). Phlebitis may lead to serious bloodstream infections that can be threaten life(Hadaway, 2012)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion