J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  1997 Apr;9(1):33-43.

A Study on the Occurence of Intravenous-Related Phlebitis(Data from Patients Cared by the IV Nurses)

• Park SH
• Song M

Abstract

The Purpose of this study was to obtain the basic data to identify effective nursing methods for intravenous therapy patients by means of investigating the incidence of phlebitis and identifying the risk factors for intravenous-related phlebitis which cared by the IV team nurses. The data collected from August, 30, 1995 to October, 2, 1995. The subjects of this study were 495 IV catheters of 270 patients hospitalized to the 3 internal medicine and the 3 surgical wards of large general hospital who received the continuous IV therapy. In order to investigate the incidence of phlebitis, investigator developed the criteria for judging phlebitis and assessment records concerning the phlebitis. Catheter sites was inspected on a daily basis by IV team nurses, and development of phlebitis was graded and documented. The data were analyzed using the PC-SAS program : Percentages and Chi-Square test were used. The results were summarized as follows ; 1. Over-all rate of incidence of intravenous-related phlebitis was 8.7%(Grade III 8.5%, Grade IV 0.2%). 2. There was significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis by sex. It was 12.00% in female as compared to 6.44% in male. 3. There was no significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis by age. 4. There was significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis according to duration of catheter placement. The incidence of phlebitis was the highest within 24 hour after insertion. 5. There was significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis according to the location of the insertion site. Lower extremities were 22.22% as compared to 8.18% in upper extremities. But, there was no difference in the incidence of phlebitis according to the location of the insertion site among upper extremities catheters. 6. There was significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis by the size of cannula 22G was 11.08% as compared to 4.14% in 18G. 7. There was no significant difference in the incidence of phlebitis between surgical and medical wards. It was 10.96% in surgical wards as compared to 6.88% in medical wards. In conclusion, the following risk factors can be attributed to the incidence of phlebitis : sex, the duration of catheter placement, the location of the insertion site and the size of cannula inserted. Consequently, in order to prevent and detect the intravenous-related phlebitis early, a consistent, organized assessment and evaluation of the above factors during the intravenous therapy.

MeSH Terms

Catheters
Female
Hospitals, General
Humans
Incidence
Internal Medicine
Lower Extremity
Male
Nursing
Phlebitis
Research Personnel
Risk Factors
Upper Extremity