Prevalence of phlebitis in adult patients admitted to a university hospital

Abstract

Objective: to identify the prevalence of phlebitis, related to demographic and clinical variables, in peripheral intravenoustherapy in adult patients admitted to a university hospital in Paraná, PR, Brazil. Method: this is an observational research,cross / prospective with a quantitative approach, carried out in three units of the hospital. Data collection took place fromOctober 2012 to August 2013, using a form to extract demographic and clinical variables from patients suitable to preestablishedeligibility requirements. For analysis, we used the calculation of point prevalence. Results: from 221 analyzedby venous access, there were 42 with presence of the clinical criteria definition of phlebitis. It was found a prevalence ofphlebitis in men; with evolution degree of 2; venous punctures were located on the back of the hand; 22G caliber/diametercatheters; with residence time of three days. Conclusion: It was concluded that through the prevalence of known phlebitis,nursing actions for the prevention and management of the event can be (re)designed.