SN monitored the insertion site, including its appearance and the condition of the dressing. Palpated the site to determine if it's edematous or tender. Instructed the patient to report any pain or discomfort as soon as possible and reinforced caregiver knowledge on proper IV medication administration, Advised the patient and caregiver to keep the IV access site clean and dry at all times, make sure the site is covered before bathing, and use hand wipes for hand hygiene.
Instructed patient watch for these problems: a hole in the skin where the IV is -- medicine or fluid can go into the tissue around the vein. This could harm the skin or tissue.Swelling of the vein -- this can lead to a blood clot (called thrombophlebitis).
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.
