What Causes Phlebitis?

Insertion Of Intravenous Catheters

Sometimes when a patient is sick, the doctors may insert intravenous catheters. The catheter is a small flexible tube with a syringe at the end to help direct it to the peripheral vein. Most doctors and nurses place it on the patient's arm.

As much as it is a useful technique to administer medication directly, it possesses various health risks to the patients. Even a small mistake can lead to phlebitis. Most times the tube irritate the veins at the place of insertion. The veins are sensitive to osmolality, acidic, and alkaline solutions. Administering medications with such solutions may irritate the veins of the patient. Vein trauma occurs during the insertion.

It is essential to keep on changing the site of injection. Using the wrong size of the tube also increases the risk of developing phlebitis. Whenever you notice redness, tenderness, warmth, and puffiness on the region of insertion, alert the caregivers immediately. The doctors ought to stop the infusion process as fast as possible.