Evaluation of Proximal Massage and Palm-to-Fist Tapping on Reducing the Risk of Phlebitis

Peripheral venous catheter insertion is a common clinical procedure performed in a substantial proportion of hospitalized patients. It is estimated that between 58.7% and 86.7% of hospitalized patients require a peripheral venous catheter during their hospital stay, and, ideally, catheter dwell time should not exceed six days. Indications for peripheral venous catheterization are diverse and include hemodynamic monitoring, intravenous administration of fluids and medications, blood transfusions, and the administration of contrast media for diagnostic imaging procedures.

Despite being a routine and relatively simple procedure, complications associated with peripheral venous catheter use continue to represent an important public health concern because they are associated with prolonged hospital stays, delayed patient discharge, and increased healthcare costs. The most common complications include phlebitis, infiltration, ecchymosis, extravasation, and embolism. These complications may occur while the catheter remains in place or even up to 96 hours after catheter removal. Therefore, given the widespread use of peripheral venous catheters and the potentially deleterious consequences of these complications, appropriate catheter management and care are essential to reduce their incidence.

Phlebitis is defined as inflammation of the venous intima and is clinically characterized by local inflammatory signs, including erythema, edema, and pain. Reported incidence rates range from 2% to 80%, depending largely on the control of modifiable risk factors. Three major categories of risk factors have been associated with the development of phlebitis. The first comprises patient-related factors, including age, sex, and pre-existing medical conditions. The second includes chemical factors, primarily related to the dose and osmolarity of intravenously administered medications. The third encompasses mechanical factors, such as catheter size, insertion site, and catheter material.

Several types of phlebitis have been described, each associated with different risk factors. Mechanical phlebitis is related to catheter size and material, inadequate catheter stabilization that facilitates catheter movement and subsequent irritation of the vascular wall, and catheter placement near a joint. Bacterial phlebitis develops as a consequence of poor aseptic technique or prolonged catheter dwell time. Finally, chemical phlebitis is associated with the characteristics of the cannulated vein and the type of infused solution, particularly highly acidic or alkaline solutions.