Local complications of peripheral I.V. lines

Type	Finding	Intervention
Phlebitis	Tenderness at site Redness at tip of catheter and along vein	Remove device. Apply warm soaks. Notify practitioner.
Infiltration (nonvesicant solution)	Coolness at site Skin taut Slowing of rate	Remove device. Apply cold compresses.
Extravasation (vesicant solution)	Swelling at site Discomfort (pain, burning) at site Blanching	Remove device. Notify practitioner. Treat site per I.V. solution recommendations.
Catheter dislodgment	Catheter backed out of vein Solution infiltrating	Remove device. Notify practitioner.
Severed catheter	Leakage from catheter shaft	If part of catheter enters bloodstream, place tourniquet above I.V. site to prevent progression of broken part.
Hematoma	Tenderness at site Bruised area around site	Remove device. Apply pressure, cold compresses.
Venous spasm	Pain along vein; blanched skin Flow rate sluggish with clamp open	Apply warm soaks. Decrease flow rate.
Vasovagal reaction	Sudden collapse of vein during venipuncture Sudden pallor, sweating, faintness, dizziness, nausea, and hypotension	Lower head of bed. Check vital signs. Have patient take deep breaths.
Thrombosis	Painful, red, swollen vein Sluggish or stopped I.V. flow	Remove device. Apply warm soaks. Notify practitioner.
Thrombophlebitis	Severe discomfort at site Reddened, swollen, hardened vein	Follow interventions for thrombosis.
Nerve, tendon, or ligament damage	Extreme pain (like electric shock when nerve is punctured), numbness, and muscle contraction Delayed effects: paralysis, numbness, and deformity	Stop procedure. Notify practitioner.

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