Previous studies have shown the incidence of blood stream infections due to peripheral IV cannulas to be 0.1–0.2%.
Treatment of i.v.-line infection involves removal of the i.v. line/device. Empiric antibiotic therapy directed against gram-positive cocci/aerobc gram-negative bacilli is usually started after blood cultures have been obtained and the removed catheter tip sent for semiquantitative culture.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Red streaks leading from the area.
Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection in the body, such as a chest infection which causes pneumonia, a urine infection, an infected cut or bite, an infection in a cannula, or a wound following surgery.
Sepsis can be divided into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.
This is called IV infiltration, and it can cause harm ranging from irritation to fluid overload, infections, nerve damage, stroke, brain injury, or even death.
o The cannula must be kept dry. o If you see redness or swelling at the entry point, or there is pain when fluid or medication is put through, this may indicate infection (this must be dealt with promptly, so please tell us). resolved by removing the cannula.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein.
Use either a transparent dressing or sterile gauze to cover the cannula site. Replace cannula site dressings when they become damp, loosened, or soiled, or when the device is removed or replaced.
The most common microorganisms associated with infections associated with IV cannulae are those that occur naturally on the skin (skin commensals), particularly staphylococci, which originate from the skin of both healthcare professionals and patients.
Intravenous injection or cannulation.
Having injections into the veins or 'drips' in hospital can also cause superficial thrombophlebitis. These are commonly given in hand or arm veins, can injure the vein and may trigger inflammation. Damage to the veins in this way is also common in people who inject 'street drugs'.
Your cannula should be replaced every 72-96 hours or removed by a nurse once venous access is no longer required (or earlier if a problem occurs). However, staff may have a valid reason for leaving the cannula in for longer; this will be explained to you on request.
Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you have signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness; red streaks leading from the site; pus or blood draining from the site; or a fever. And be sure to contact your doctor if you see new or worse bruising or a large lump at the site.
People with sepsis often develop a hemorrhagic rash—a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pinpricks in the skin. If untreated, these gradually get bigger and begin to look like fresh bruises. These bruises then join together to form larger areas of purple skin damage and discoloration.
A blown vein is a vein that's mildly injured during a blood draw or IV placement. Symptoms include bruising, swelling and discomfort around your vein. While a blown vein isn't serious, it needs about 10 to 12 days to heal before your provider can use it again.
Tell the nurse, midwife or doctor if you: Experience pain, feel hot, cold or shivery, see redness, leaking or swelling around the insertion or connections. Tell the nurses if you feel something is wrong with your cannula or if you think the cannula is not needed anymore.
When an i.v. catheter penetrates a nerve, it can cause temporary or permanent damage. After sustaining an injury, a nerve will regenerate in an attempt to reconnect with the fibers it once innervated. Recovery from nerve damage may take only weeks or a year or more.
The cannula should not hurt when it is in place. It will be left in whilst you have your treatment. If you feel any pain where the cannula has been put in; your skin goes red, feels hot or itchy then tell a nurse. The staff should check your cannula each day.
Thrombophlebitis frequently occurs with an intravenous cannula. Either the cannula or the infusion, including drugs, may have caused the inflammation. A small lump may appear days or weeks after the cannula has been removed and it can take months to resolve completely.