Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
NCLEX-RN glossary · Pharmacological And Parenteral Therapies
Definition
Inflammation of a vein, often associated with IV therapy, which may involve the development of a thrombus (clot).
Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis in plain English
Nurses must differentiate between mechanical irritation (phlebitis) and thrombus/infectious complications; this distinction is the primary diagnostic pivot for intervention. A frequent error is slowing the IV infusion rate to alleviate the pain of phlebitis instead of immediately discontinuing the catheter and removing the irritation source.
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