How do you describe phlebitis?
Phlebitis (fle-BYE-tis) means inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is due to one or more blood clots in a vein that cause inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm or other parts of the body.
What are 4 possible causes of phlebitis?
The cause of thrombophlebitis is a blood clot, which can form in your blood as a result of: An injury to a vein. An inherited blood-clotting disorder. Being immobile for long periods, such as during an injury or a hospital stay.
What are the signs of IV phlebitis?
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like.
Why is it called phlebitis?
Phlebitis means “inflammation of a vein”. The vein becomes inflamed because there’s blood clotting inside it or the vein walls are damaged.
What is the phlebitis scale?
Phlebitis manifests in four grades: Grade 1 – erythema around the puncture site, with or without local pain; Grade 2 – pain at the puncture site with erythema and/or edema and hardening; Grade 3: pain at the puncture site with erythema, hardening and a palpable venous cord; Grade 4: pain at the puncture site with …
What is the best way to treat phlebitis?
For superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor might recommend applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
What is a phlebitis scale?
Does ice help phlebitis?
Don’t just treat phlebitis. Wearing prescription-strength graduated support hose. Frequent walking. Leg elevation above the heart when at rest. To reduce inflammation, intermittent application of an ice compress for 1 to 2 days until the pain subsides, followed by moist heat.
How do you score phlebitis?
The VIP scale for evaluation of phlebitis
- Score 0 – the insertion site appears healthy and there are no signs of phlebitis.
- Score 1 – one of the following signs is evident: slight pain or slight redness near IV insertion site.
- Score 2 – two of the following signs are evident: pain at IV site, redness or swelling.
How do you prevent phlebitis at IV site?
You can prevent many instances of phlebitis by choosing the proper insertion site, I.V. device, and securement technique. Administer irritating solutions via a central line, not a peripheral line. Check an I.V. drug book or ask the pharmacist if you’re unsure how to safely administer a medication.
What drugs can cause phlebitis?
The following drugs are prone to causing phlebitis:
- antibiotics.
- hypertonic dextrose solutions (>10%)
- cancer chemotherapies.
- vasoactive medications.
- solutions containing calcium and potassium supplements.
How do you prevent IV phlebitis?
What is the purpose of a phlebitis score?
The Visual Infusion Phlebitis score (VIP scale) The VIP scale provides a score from 0 to 5, in ascending order of severity of inflammation. Each grade identifies a more or less advanced state of phlebitis or thrombophlebitis and differs in the evidence of specific signs and actions to be taken.