medication compliance
Procedures
Phlebitis, or an inflammation of the vein, may occur when receiving IV antibiotics which can be irritating to smaller veins. Symptoms of phlebitis include redness, tenderness and swelling. Education about recognition of these complications allows the patient to be involved and can help reduce the risk of further complications related to IV therapy.
One of these complications is infiltration, or fluid leaks into the tissue surrounding the vein. This may be accompanied by swelling, burning, and discomfort. Extravasation occurs when a vesicant drug, such as those used in chemotherapy, leaks into the surrounding tissue, with similar signs and symptoms to infiltration. In this case, however, the vesicant may destroy the surrounding tissue making it extremely important to catch and treat this early.
