Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and associated factors of peripheral venous catheter-related (PVC-related) phlebitis in hospitalised patients.
Methods: In this study, 315 catheters inserted in 247 patients hospitalised in the clinic were examined. Data were collected using the “patient identification form”, the “peripheral catheter characteristics table”, the “visual infusion phlebitis diagnosis scale” recommended by the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), and “intravenous drugs administered to the patient form”. Data analysis performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25.
Results: The frequency of PVC-related phlebitis was 15.6%. When phlebitis development at the peripheral venous catheter site was compared according to the individual and medical characteristics of the patients, no statistically significant difference was observed between phlebitis development and age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, chronic disease, anatomical location, catheter placement, and catheter size (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the development of phlebitis and repeated catheter use, duration of catheter stay, type of medication used, and type and frequency of medication administration (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The frequency of PVC-related phlebitis is higher than the acceptable rate defined by the INS. It is essential for nurses to be aware of phlebitis risk factors, and it is recommended that they monitor the catheterised site at an appropriate frequency.