Using compression stockings may help you tackle sluggish blood flow and reduce swelling if you have phlebitis. Have a word with your doctor to find out how long you need to wear them. Applying a warm water compress is an easy way of reducing swelling.
One study found that patients who develop phlebitis due to intravenous fluid therapy responded well to warm water compresses. The researchers suggested this was an inexpensive and effective treatment to tackle phlebitis. Incidentally, phlebitis is a common effect of intravenous fluid therapy. To prepare a compress, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture.
Apply this to the affected area for 10—20 minutes. Covering the compress with plastic wrap can preserve the heat for longer. Avoiding standing for long periods and keeping your legs raised when you sit can help prevent thrombophlebitis. Regular exercise, particularly walking, may also improve blood circulation, especially in people with varicose veins. If you have inflammation in your veins, keeping the area elevated can help reduce the swelling.
Not applying pressure to the area is also a good idea as it can ease pain as well as bring down the chances of further damage. Applying anti-inflammatory aloe vera has been found to speed up the resolution of symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain in people with phlebitis due to intravenous therapy. Components like glucomannan, gibberellin, and salicylic acid in aloe vera may be responsible for its beneficial effect.
Simply crack open an aloe vera leaf, scoop out the gel inside, and apply it to the affected area for relief. Rinse in 20 minutes, doing this twice every day. Fragrant lemon eucalyptus oil also works against inflammatory conditions such as phlebitis.
Experts suggest that mixing 10 drops of this essential oil in a teaspoon of sunflower oil or other carrier oil and applying this to the affected area can be beneficial. You can also mix 15 to 20 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil in a teaspoon of milk, add that to your bathwater, and settle in for a relaxing soak. Onion and garlic have sulfur-containing compounds such as paraffinic polysulfides, adenosine, and allicin which work as blood thinners.
These compounds can prevent blood platelets from clumping together to form blood clots. Do keep in mind though these are not meant to substitute blood-thinning medications prescribed by your doctor. Extravasation Extravasation is the leaking of vesicant drugs into surrounding tissue. Extravasation can cause severe local tissue damage, possibly leading to delayed healing, infection, tissue necrosis, disfigurement, loss of function, and even amputation.
Signs and symptoms Blanching, burning, or discomfort at the I. Be aware of vesicant medications, such as certain antineoplastic drugs doxorubicin, vinblastine, and vincristine , and hydroxyzine, promethazine, digoxin, and dopamine.
Follow your facility policy regarding vesicant administration via a peripheral I. Give vesicants last when multiple drugs are ordered. Strictly adhere to proper administration techniques. Management Stop the I. Estimate the amount of extravasated solution and notify the prescriber. Administer the appropriate antidote according to your facility's protocol. Elevate the extremity. Perform frequent assessments of sensation, motor function, and circulation of the affected extremity.
Record the extravasation site, your patient's symptoms, the estimated amount of extravasated solution, and the treatment. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to apply either cold or warm compresses to the affected area.
Phlebitis Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. It is usually associated with acidic or alkaline solutions or solutions that have a high osmolarity. Phlebitis can also occur as a result of vein trauma during insertion, use of an inappropriate I. Signs and symptoms Redness or tenderness at the site of the tip of the catheter or along the path of the vein Puffy area over the vein Warmth around the insertion site Prevention Use proper venipuncture technique.
Use a trusted drug reference or consult with the pharmacist for instructions on drug dilution, when necessary. Monitor administration rates and inspect the I. Change the infusion site according to your facility's policy. Management Stop the infusion at the first sign of redness or pain.
Apply warm, moist compresses to the area. Document your patient's condition and interventions. If indicated, insert a new catheter at a different site, preferably on the opposite arm, using a larger vein or a smaller device and restart the infusion. Hypersensitivity An immediate, severe hypersensitivity reaction can be life-threatening, so prompt recognition and treatment are imperative.
Signs and Symptoms Sudden fever Joint swelling Rash and urticaria Bronchospasm Wheezing Prevention Ask the patent about personal and family history of allergies. For infants younger than 3 months, ask the mother about her allergy history because maternal antibodies may still be present. Stay with the patient for five to 10 minutes to detect early signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity. If the patient is receiving the drug for the first or second time, check him every five to 10 minutes or according to your facility's policy.
Management Discontinue the infusion and notify the prescriber immediately. Administer medications as ordered. Monitor the patient's vital signs and provide emotional support.
They can include: Pain Tenderness Redness Warmth Swelling Hardening of the vein In most cases, superficial thrombophlebitis resolves on its own with no problems. Home care To help relieve pain and swelling, you may be told to: Apply heat or cold to the affected area. Do this for up to 10 minutes as often as directed.
Heat: Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad. Cold: Use a cold compress, such as a cold pack or bag of ice wrapped in a thin towel. Keep the affected limb arm or leg raised above heart level as directed. Wear elastic compression stockings or bandages as directed. Don't sit or stand for long periods. Get up and walk often. Follow-up care Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. When to seek medical advice Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur: Fever of Call Call if any of these occur: Trouble breathing Chest pain or discomfort that worsens with deep breathing or coughing Coughing may cough up blood Fast or irregular heartbeat Sweating Anxiety Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting Extreme confusion Extreme drowsiness or trouble waking up New pain in the chest, arm, shoulder, neck, or upper back.
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