Prevention and Management of Phlebitis from Intravenous Therapy

Abstract

Intravenous therapy is an important procedure that involves administering flids, blood, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream to manage health issues of patients. Although this procedure is important in clinical care, it may affect patient safety, especially the occurrence of complications such as phlebitis. Incidence data from a hospital-based study indicate that prolonged intravenous fluid administration with indwelling catheters was associated with a phlebitis rate of 4–10%. Therefore, nurses who administer intravenous therapy must have knowledge about type of solution, flow rate, drug concentration, drug compatibility, use of device, aseptic technique, and have good skills in administering intravenous therapy by using clinical nursing practice guidelines for preventing phlebitis and providing nursing interventions for phlebitis from Intravenous therapy. This article aims to present evidence-based information about effective strategies to prevent and manage phlebitis secondary to intravenous therapy so as to enhance patient safety and satisfaction.