A nurse is preparing to remove an IV catheter from the arm of a client who has phlebitis at a peripheral IV site.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A.
Apply a pressure dressing at the IV site.
B.
Place a warm, moist compress on the site.
C.
Express drainage from the IV site and send it to be cultured.
D.
Insert a new IV catheter distal to the discontinued IV site.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Place a warm, moist compress on the site.
Explanation:
Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, often caused by irritation from an IV catheter, medication, or solution. When a nurse encounters phlebitis at a peripheral IV site, prompt and appropriate care is crucial to reduce the patient’s discomfort and prevent complications such as infection or thrombophlebitis (a more severe form involving clot formation).
Why Option B is Correct: Applying a warm, moist compress is a well-established treatment for phlebitis. The warmth increases blood flow to the affected area, which helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing. Moist heat also aids in softening hardened tissue around the site, which can occur due to the inflammation. This intervention soothes the irritation, accelerates the body’s natural healing process, and reduces the risk of complications.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Option A (Apply a pressure dressing): A pressure dressing is used to stop bleeding or promote clotting, particularly after the removal of IV catheters. However, in phlebitis, there is no need to apply significant pressure because the primary concern is inflammation, not active bleeding. Applying pressure could exacerbate discomfort and might even worsen inflammation.
- Option C (Express drainage): Expressing drainage from the site is contraindicated. While phlebitis is characterized by inflammation, it does not involve infection unless it has progressed to an advanced stage like septic phlebitis. Manipulating or squeezing the site could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection.
- Option D (Insert a new IV catheter distal to the site): It is not recommended to insert a new catheter distal to the site of phlebitis because the vein has been compromised by inflammation. The nurse should insert a new IV catheter in a different vein entirely, ideally in the opposite extremity, to avoid further irritation to the already inflamed vein.
In summary, applying a warm, moist compress (Option B) is the most appropriate nursing intervention to alleviate the symptoms of phlebitis and promote healing.