Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: June | Volume: 7 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 250-253
A Study to Assess the Risk Factors of Developing Thrombophlebitis among Children Admitted in Paediatric Ward in a Selected Hospital at Puducherry
P. Sumathy1, Mr. Finny2
1Professor & HOD, Department of Child Health Nursing, 2Lecturer, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing,
Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Puducherry 607 403,
Corresponding Author: P. Sumathy
ABSTRACT
The insertion of IV cannula for IV fluids and medication is the most common procedure among hospitalized children. Frequent percutaneous intravenous catheter complication is thrombophlebitis that is inflammation of wall of vein due to thrombus. Therefore early detection of complication and removal of percutaneous intravenous catheter is crucial.
Objectives:
- To assess the risk factors of developing thrombophlebitis among children with IV.
- To assess the incidence of thrombophlebitis among children with IV cannula.
- To predict the factors leading to development of thrombophlebitis among children.
Methodology: The study design was Non experimental descriptive design. The study was conducted in Paediatric ward, with a sample size of 40 and the sampling technique adopted was purposive sampling technique. The tools consisted of two parts i.e., Demographic variables/ risk factors affecting the development of thrombophlebitis and Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale to assess the incidence of developing thrombophlebitis. The risk factors that were assessed included site of cannula, size of cannula, type of drugs, duration of infusion, type of infusion, use of restraints etc. The results revealed that 9 out of 40 samples developed Grade 1 thrombophlebitis while other samples did not develop thrombophlebitis. The type of drug used was directly proportionate to the development of phlebitis and this was statistically significant(P<0.01). The use of antibiotics was found to be significantly influencing the development of thrombophlebitis than the use of multivitamins. The other factors did not have any significant impact in the development of phlebitis.
Conclusion: Many children in hospital require PVC as part of their medical management and care. A recognised associated risk factor is phlebitis. Nurses are well placed to assess for the presence of phlebitis and act accordingly. By observing good practice both during and after peripheral catheter insertion, complication rates of phlebitis can be reduced and patient care improved.
Key words: Thrombophlebitis, Children, Risk factors, Percutaneous intravenous catheter.