PHLEBITIS IN PERIPHERAL VASCULAR CATHETERS OF HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

Objective : To identify the occurrence of mechanical and chemical phlebitis in peripheral venous catheters of hospitalized adult patients. Method : a descriptive observational study with 100 patients over 18 years of age who underwent peripheral venous puncture, performed in September and October 2016 at the Adult Hospitalization Unit of a University Hospital. The site of insertion of the peripheral puncture device was evaluated daily in order to identify signs and symptoms of phlebitis. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, considering statistical significance when p <0.05. Results : Phlebitis occurred in 21% of cases, with grade 1 (52.4%) prevalent. Of the 21 cases, 14 occurred due to mechanical causes, 50% due to repeated punctures and 7 due to chemical causes, which presented a statistically significant value in relation to some medications used (p = 0.008). Conclusion : the result of the study made the importance of the multiprofessional team in the care of these patients perceptible.