Complications of iv cannula

Complications of iv cannula include infection, phlebitis and

thrombophlebitis,emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage
extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries.
Careful adherence to guidelines and procedures can
minimise these risks so here some steps how we can
remove the iv cannula complications and what are step to
stop complications.
 Infiltration Complication
Infiltration occurs when I.V. fluid or medications leak
into the surrounding tissue. Infiltration can be caused
by improper placement or dislodgment of the
catheter. Patient movement can cause the catheter to
slip out or through the blood vessel lumen and there
are symptoms of this complication are swelling
,burning,cool skin and blanching etc .
 Prevention from infiltration
 Select an appropriate I.V. site, avoiding areas
of flexion.
 Use proper venipuncture technique.
 Follow your facility policy for securing the I.V.
catheter.
 Observe the I.V. site frequently.
 Advise the patient to report any swelling or
tenderness at the I.V. site.
 What management can do
 Stop the infusion and remove the device.
 Elevate the limb to increase patient comfort
a warm compress may be applied.
 Check the patient's pulse and capillary refill
time.
 Perform venipuncture in a different location
and restart the infusion, as ordered.
 Check the site frequently.
 Document your findings and interventions
performed.
 Extravasation Complication

Extravasation is the leaking of vesicant drugs

into surrounding tissue. Extravasation can cause
severe local tissue damage, possibly leading to
delayed healing, infection, tissue necrosis,
disfigurement, loss of function, and even
amputation.There are some complications like
Swelling at or above the iv site or blistering and
skin sloughing .
 Prevention from Extravasation
 avoid veins that are small and/or fragile, veins in areas
of flexion, veins in extremities with preexisting edema,
or veins in areas with known neurologic impairment.
 Be aware of vesicant medications, such as certain
antineoplastic drugs (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and
vincristine), and hydroxyzine, promethazine, digoxin,
and dopamine.
 Follow your facility policy regarding vesicant
administration via a peripheral I.V.; some institutions
require that vesicants are administered via a central
venous access device only.
 Give vesicants last when multiple drugs are ordered.
 Strictly adhere to proper administration techniques.
 Management work
 Stop the I.V. flow and remove the I.V. line, unless the catheter
should remain in place to administer the antidote.
 Estimate the amount of extravasated solution and notify the
prescriber.
 Administer the appropriate antidote according to your
facility's protocol.
 Elevate the extremity.
 Perform frequent assessments of sensation, motor function,
and circulation of the affected extremity.
 Record the extravasation site, your patient's symptoms, the
estimated amount of extravasated solution, and the
treatment.
 Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to apply either
cold or warm compresses to the affected area.
 Phlebitis Complication

Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. It is usually

associated with acidic or alkaline solutions or
solutions that have a high osmolarity. Phlebitis
can also occur as a result of vein trauma during
insertion, use of an inappropriate I.V. catheter
size for the vein, or prolonged use of the same
iv cannula site
 Prevention from phlebitis
 Use proper venipuncture technique.
 Use a trusted drug reference or consult with
the pharmacist for instructions on drug
dilution, when necessary.
 Monitor administration rates and inspect the
I.V. site frequently.
 Change the infusion site according to your
facility's policy
Management work
 Stop the infusion at the first sign of redness
or pain.
 Apply warm, moist compresses to the area.
 Document your patient's condition and
interventions.
 If indicated, insert a new catheter at a
different site, preferably on the opposite arm,
using a larger vein or a smaller device and
restart the infusion