Effects of using the practice guideline for prevent phlebitis and extravasation from norepinephrine drug

Abstract

The quasi-experimental study employed a two-group posttest-only design to compare the incidence of phlebitis and extravasation resulting from the administration of norepinephrine between the group following the usual clinical nursing practice guideline (CNPG) and the group adhering to the new CNPG. The sample consisted of 60 patients, with purposive sampling, and divided into two groups. The control group comprised patients who received care according to the usual practice, while the experimental group received care according to the new CNPG. The research instrument was the practice guideline for preventing phlebitis and extravasation from the norepinephrine drug. Data collection instruments consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the administration record of intravenous norepinephrine, and the record of phlebitis and extravasation. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and a chi-square test.

The results revealed that the incidence of phlebitis in patients receiving norepinephrine through peripheral veins in the group following the new CNPG was significantly lower than in the group following traditional nursing care practices, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the occurrence of extravasation between the experimental and control groups.

Therefore, the improvement in the quality of care for patients receiving norepinephrine through peripheral veins should involve consistent and continuous practices.