Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score

1 Adapted with permission from Andrew Jackson Consultant Nurse, Therapy and Care, Rotherham General Hospital NHS Tust, Andrew Jackson >1>2>3>4>5> Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score Policy Statement All patients with an intravenous access device in place must have the IV site checked at least daily for signs of Infusion Phlebitis . The subsequent Score AND action(s) taken (if any) must be documented. The cannula site must also be observed when: Bolus injections are administered IV flow rates are checked or altered Solution containers are changed The incidence of Infusion Phlebitis varies. The following Good Practice Points may assist in reducing the incidence of Infusion Phlebitis :1 Observe cannula site at least daily2 Secure cannula with a proven intravenous dressing3 Replace loose, contaminated dressings4 Cannula must be inserted away from the joints whenever possible5 Aseptic technique must be followed6 Consider your policy position on resiting of the cannula7 Plan and document continuing care8 Use the smallest gauge cannula most suitable for the patient s needs9 Replace the cannula at the first indication of Infusion Phlebitis (Stage 2 on the VIP Score ) IV site appears healthy One of the following is evident: Slight pain near IV site or Slight redness near IV site Two of the following are evident: Pain at IV site Erythema Swelling All of the following signs are evident.

2 Pain along path of cannula Erythema Induration All of the following signs are evident and extensive: Pain along path of cannula Erythema Induration Palpable venous cord All of the following signs are evident and extensive: Pain along path of cannula Erythema Induration Palpable venous cord PyrexiaNo signs of Phlebitis OBSERVE CANNULAP ossible first signs OBSERVE CANNULAE arly stage of Phlebitis RESITE CANNULA Mid-stage RESITE CANNULAof Phlebitis CONSIDER TREATMENTA dvanced stage RESITE CANNULAof Phlebitis or start CONSIDER TREATMENTof thrombophlebitisAdvanced stage of INITIATE TREATMENT thrombophlebitisAxillaryCephalicBrachial AccessoryCephalicRadialCephalicDorsalVen ousArchPalmar Venous ArchBasilicMedian AntebrachialUlnarMedian CubitalBasilicSuperiorVena CavaSubclavianRightBrachiocephalicVeins: Upper ExtremityYour guide to the IV3000 rangeFor further information on IV3000 please visit our website: CodeNHS CodeCartonRecommended Indications5cm x 6cm66004011 ELW011100 Paediatric/Ported6cm x 7cm4007 ELW032100 Peripheral6cm x 7cm59410082 ELW105100 Peripheral7cm x 9cm4006 ELW046100 Ported/Peripheral9cm x 12cm66004009 ELW11250 Central/Jugular10cm x 12cm4008 ELW05450 Central10cm x 12cm59410882 ELW10650 Central11cm x 14cm66800512 ELW363 25 PICC/Midline10cm x 20cm4649 ELW09950 Central/EpiduralWound Management Smith & Nephew Ltd Healthcare House Trademark of Smith & Nephew101 Hessle Road Smith & Nephew February 2012 Hull HU3 2BN 33898 T 01482 222200F 01482 222211 Customers in Ireland please call T 1890 224226 for product enquiries and wound care advic