Warm Water Compress as an Alternative for Decreasing the Degree of Phlebitis

Abstract

Intravenous fluid therapy is an invasive procedure which may increase the risk of patient complications. One of the most common of these is phlebitis, which may cause discomfort and tissue damage. Therefore, a nursing intervention is needed to effectively treat phlebitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of applying a warm compression intervention to reduce the degree of phlebitis. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was used, with a non-equivalent control group. The total sample size was 32 patients with degrees of phlebitis ranging from 1 to 4. The total sample was divided into 2 interventional groups: those patients that were given 0.9% NaCl compresses and those given warm water compresses. The results showed that both compresses were effective in reducing the degree of phlebitis, with similar p values (p = .000). However, there was no difference in the average reduction score between the two groups (p = .18). Therefore, a warm water compress is valuable in the treatment of phlebitis, and could decrease the degree of phlebitis both effectively and inexpensively.

Prevention and Treatment of Phlebitis Secondary to the Insertion of a Peripheral Venous Catheter: A Scoping Review from a Nursing Perspective

“…Table 3 lists the characteristics of the studies included in the scoping review classified according to the type of article. [35] Assess the effectiveness of applying hot compress to reduce the degree of phlebitis.…”

“…The hot compress stimulates vasodilation by inducing optimal blood circulation and promoting a faster wound-healing process. The cold compress stimulates vasoconstriction and reduces edema [35].…”

“…Apply compresses with 0.9% NaCl to stimulate anti-inflammatory response and relieve pain, redness, swelling, and edema [35]. • Apply 10 drops (3 mL) of sesame oil (SO) twice daily for two weeks.…”

Management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis among HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-limited setting: a prospective cohort study

“…This is a traditional method that involves applying a wet and warm clean cloth to the inflamed sites while applying pressure (compresses). This method was also recently described to be effective and inexpensive in the management of phlebitis [14]. This was the easiest and most convenient method for the caregivers in our setting.…”

Analysis of Nursing Team Knowledge About Phlebitis and Its Related Factors

“…These data demonstrate that there is a divergence in conduct among professionals. Welyczk (2020) argues that warm compress associated with elevation of the limb and administration of medications is effective in pain management, application of heat contributes to the vasodilation of the vessels, reducing symptoms of discomfort and friction of the device in the endothelium (ANNISA et al , 2017;BARBOSA et al, 2016;WELYCZKO, 2020). While Gauttam and Vati (2016) report similar results between warm or cold compresses, however, cold compresses had immediate effects in reducing signs and symptoms.…”