Phlebitis classification and nursing

Phlebitis, also known as thrombophlebitis, mainly refers to the inflammation of the veins. The classification of phlebitis is mainly based on the different symptoms of phlebitis. The purpose of phlebitis grading is to help patients understand their condition. Generally speaking, there are two more common classifications.

1. No clinical symptoms

1+ erythema with or without pain, with or without edema

2+ Erythema with or without pain, with or without edema, and venous streaking.

3+ Erythema with or without pain, with or without edema, venous streaks, palpable cords, infiltration

2. No clinical symptoms

1. Pale skin, edema less than an inch (2.5 cm), decreased skin temperature, with or without pain.

2. Pale skin, edema ranging from 1 inch (2.5cm) to 6 inches (15cm), decreased skin temperature, with or without pain.

3. The skin is pale and transparent, the edema is greater than 6 inches (15 cm), the skin temperature is reduced, and there may be numbness with mild to moderate pain.

4. Pale, transparent skin, tight and faded skin, with fluid exudation; bruised skin, edema greater than 6 inches (15 cm), and sunken tissue after compression of edema; decreased circulatory function, moderate to severe pain. Any dose of blood products, irritating or corrosive fluid leakage belongs to this level.

3. Nursing

1. If phlebitis occurs, if it is a general indwelling needle, it should be removed, the puncture site should be changed, and hot compresses can be applied to the inflamed area. The symptoms should improve within 3 days. If there is no sign of improvement, the doctor should be notified to evaluate whether it is a bacterial infection.

2. If phlebitis occurs in the PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter), you can apply hot compress first. If it is mechanical or chemical phlebitis, the symptoms should be relieved. If the symptoms persist and there is no sign of improvement, it needs to be removed.

3. If you want to apply hot compress, you can use a hot towel for hot compress, 20 minutes each time, 4 times a day.

4. If bacterial phlebitis is suspected, the doctor should be notified to perform a catheter needle and blood culture. Blood culture requires drawing blood from other veins and the catheter as a basis for diagnosis.

5. If there is pus, the purulent fluid should be cultured using a sterile cotton swab; before sampling, avoid disinfecting the skin to avoid affecting the bacterial culture.