With a phlebitis -- I know that warm moist heat is recommended. But with the initial inflammation where the vein is red and tender - has anyone found that cold intially calms the inflammation which can then be changed to warm moist heat?
Thanks
With a phlebitis -- I know that warm moist heat is recommended. But with the initial inflammation where the vein is red and tender - has anyone found that cold intially calms the inflammation which can then be changed to warm moist heat?
Thanks
Anecdotally, I have heard of nurses doing this, but I have never found anything published about it. It has been my practice that superficial phlebitis/thrombophlebitis from IV catheters is treated the same as deep vein thrombosis from other causes, primarily with moist heat. This would increase blood flow to the area and speed up removal of cellular products of inflammation such as cytokines, prostaglandins, etc. Cold would cause vasoconstriction, limit the blood flow and might slow down the healing process. But again this is just my initial thoughts and I have not seen it published anywhere. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
The UK has a National Extravasation Information Service website with specifics for some vessicant agents about when to use heat and when to use cold.
Daniel Juckette RN, CCRN, VA-BC
This great UK site deals only with infiltation and extravasation - a problem occurring outside the vein,- not phlebitis which is occurring inside the vein. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861