23.4 IV Therapy Site Assessment & Complications

Catheter Size and Type Selection

Peripheral IV catheters are available in a variety of sizes, most commonly ranging from 14 gauge to 26 gauge. Note that the lower the gauge size, the wider the diameter of the catheter, with 14-gauge catheters allowing for the greatest flow rate.[1] Catheter sizes are color coded to allow for easy identification of the catheter size after a vein is accessed. See Figure 23.12[2] for colors associated with IV catheter sizes and their associated flow rates.

 

Image showing Color Coding of IV Catheters in table form
Figure 23.12 Color Coding of IV Catheters

Nurses must consider the purpose for venous access, along with assessment of the patient’s vessel size, when selecting an IV catheter to attempt cannulation. The smallest IV catheter should be selected that will accommodate the prescribed therapy and patient need.[3]

Catheters with a smaller gauge (i.e., larger diameter) permit infusion of viscous fluids, such as blood products, at a faster rate with decreased opportunity for catheter occlusion.[4] Additionally, an appropriately sized catheter also allows for adequate blood flow around the catheter itself. The most common IV catheter size for adult patients is 18- or 20-gauge catheters. However, frail elderly patients and children have smaller vasculature, so a 22-gauge catheter is often preferred.

There are different manufacturer brands of IV catheters, but all include a beveled hollow needle, a flashback chamber in which blood can be visualized when entering the vein, and a flexible catheter that is left in the vein after the catheter has been threaded into the vein and the needle removed.

IV insertion equipment varies among institutions, but common types include shielded IV catheters or winged (i.e., “butterfly”) devices. Variation is often related to the presence of a stabilizing device at the site of insertion, as well as the presence of short extension tubing. For shielded catheter types, the stabilizing device and extension tubing are typically added to the catheter itself and not included with the cannulation needle. See Figure 23.13[5] for an image of shielded IV catheters.

 

Photo showing IV Catheters
Figure 23.13 Shielded IV Catheters

Nurses must ensure the selected size and type of IV catheter are appropriate for the procedure or infusion that is ordered because not all peripheral IV catheters are suitable for all procedures. For example, if a procedure requires the infusion of contrast dye, a specific size infusion port is required.

Despite the wide variation in catheter equipment that is available, there has been significant focus among manufacturers regarding the need for safety equipment during venipuncture. Many devices utilize mechanisms to self-contain needles within a plastic sheath after withdrawal from the patient. These devices can be activated through a button in the devices or a manual trigger initiated by the individual attempting cannulation. Regardless of the type of safety lock, it is important to utilize the equipment as intended and never attempt to disable or override the mechanism. These mechanisms are important to help prevent accidental needlesticks or injury with a contaminated needle after it has been removed from the patient. Additionally, after cannulation is attempted, the individual who attempted cannulation is responsible for ensuring all needles are disposed of in a sharps container. It is good practice to be aware of how many sharps were brought into the room, opened, and disposed. This helps to ensure that any needles are not inadvertently left in a patient’s bed, tray table, floor, etc. Nurses must be familiar with the equipment used at the health care facility and receive orientation on the specific mechanics related to the equipment and safety practices.

Initiating Peripheral IV Access

The steps for initiating peripheral IV access are described in the Open RN Nursing Advanced Skills “Perform IV Insertion and IV Removal” checklist in Chapter 1.

Monitoring for Potential Complications

Several potential complications may arise from peripheral intravenous therapy. It is the responsibility of the nurse to prevent, assess, and manage signs and symptoms of complications. Complications can be categorized as local or systemic. See Table 23.4a for potential local complications of peripheral IV therapy.

Table 23.4a Local Complications of Peripheral IV Therapy[6],[7]

Complications Potential Causes and Prevention Treatment
Phlebitis: The inflammation of the vein’s inner lining, the tunica intima. Clinical indications are localized redness, pain, heat, purulent drainage, and swelling that can track up the vein leading to a palpable venous cord. Mechanical causes: Inflammation of the vein’s inner lining can be caused by the cannula rubbing and irritating the vein. To prevent mechanical inflammation, choose the smallest outer diameter of a catheter for therapy, secure the catheter with securement technology, avoid areas of flexion, and stabilize the joint as needed.[8]

Chemical causes: Inflammation of the vein’s inner lining can be caused by medications or fluids with high alkaline, acidic, or hypertonic qualities. To avoid chemical phlebitis, follow the parenteral drug therapy guidelines in a drug reference resource for administering IV medications, including the appropriate amount of solution and rate of infusion.

Infectious causes: May be related to emergent VAD insertions, poor aseptic technique, or contaminated dressings.

 Chemical phlebitis: Evaluate infusion therapy and the need for different vascular access, different medication, slower rate of infusion, or more dilute infusate. If indicated, remove the Vascular Access Device (VAD).[9]

Transient mechanical phlebitis: May be treatable by stabilizing the catheter, applying heat, elevating limb, and providing analgesics as needed. Consider requesting other pharmacologic interventions such as anti-inflammatory agents if needed. Monitor site for 24 hours post-insertion, and if signs and symptoms persist, remove the catheter.[10]

Infectious phlebitis: If purulent drainage is present or infection is suspected, remove the catheter and obtain a culture of the purulent drainage and catheter tip. Monitor for signs of systemic infection.[11]
Infiltration: A condition that occurs when a nonvesicant solution is inadvertently administered into surrounding tissue. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, the skin surrounding the insertion site is cool to touch, there is a change in the quality or flow of IV, the skin is tight around the IV site, IV fluid is leaking from IV site, or there are frequent alarms on the IV pump. Infiltration is one of the most common complications in infusion therapy involving an IV catheter.[12] For this reason, the patency of an IV site must always be checked before administering IV push medications.

Infiltration can be caused by piercing the vein, excessive patient movement, a dislodged or incorrectly placed IV catheter, or too rapid infusion of fluids or medications into a fragile vein.

Always secure a peripheral IV catheter with tape or a stabilization device to avoid accidental dislodgement. Avoid sites that are areas of flexion.

 Stop the infusion and remove the cannula. Follow agency policy related to infiltration.
Extravasation: A condition that occurs when vesicant (an irritating solution or medication) is administered and inadvertently leaks into surrounding tissue and causes damage. It is characterized by the same signs and symptoms as infiltration but also includes burning, stinging, redness, blistering, or necrosis of the tissue. Extravasation has the same potential causes of infiltration but with worse consequences because of the effects of vesicants. Extravasation can result in severe tissue injury and death (necrosis). For this reason, known vesicant medications should be administered via central lines. Stop the infusion. Detach all administration sets and aspirate from the catheter hub prior to removing the catheter to remove vesicant medication from the catheter lumen and as much as possible from the subcutaneous tissue.[13]

Follow agency policy regarding extravasation of specific medications. For example, toxic medications have a specific treatment plan.
Hemorrhage: Bleeding from the IV access site. Bleeding occurs when the IV catheter becomes dislodged. If dislodgement occurs, apply pressure with gauze to the site until the bleeding stops and then apply a sterile transparent dressing.
Local infection: Infection at the site is indicated by purulent drainage, typically two to three days after an IV site is started. Local infection is often caused by nonadherence to aseptic technique during IV initiation or IV maintenance or the dressing becomes contaminated or non-intact over the access site. Remove the cannula and clean the site using sterile technique. If infection is suspected, remove the catheter and obtain a culture of the purulent drainage and catheter tip. Monitor for signs of systemic infection.
Nerve injury[14] Paresthesia-type pain occurring during venipuncture or during an indwelling IV catheter can indicate nerve injury. Immediately remove the cannula, notify the provider, and document findings in the chart.

In addition to local complications that can occur at the site of IV insertion, there are many systemic complications that nurses must monitor for when initiating peripheral IV access, as well as monitoring a patient receiving IV therapy. See Table 23.4b for a list of systemic complications, signs, symptoms, and treatment.

Table 23.4b Systemic Complications of Peripheral IV Therapy[15]

Complication Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pulmonary Edema Pulmonary edema, also known as fluid overload or circulatory overload, is a condition caused by excess fluid accumulation in the lungs due to excessive fluid in the circulatory system. It is characterized by decreased oxygen saturation; increased respiratory rate; fine or coarse crackles in the lung bases; restlessness; breathlessness; dyspnea; and coughing up pink, frothy sputum. Pulmonary edema requires prompt medical attention and treatment. If pulmonary edema is suspected, raise the head of the bed, apply oxygen, take vital signs, complete a cardiovascular assessment, and immediately notify the provider.
Air Embolism An air embolism refers to the presence of air in the cardiovascular system. It occurs when air is introduced into the venous system and travels to the right ventricle and/or pulmonary circulation. Air embolisms can occur during catheter insertion, changing IV bags, adding secondary medication administration, and catheter removal. Inadvertent administration of 10 mL of air can have serious and fatal consequences. However, small air bubbles are tolerated by most patients. Signs and symptoms of an air embolism include sudden shortness of breath, continued coughing, breathlessness, shoulder or neck pain, agitation, feeling of impending doom, light-headedness, hypotension, wheezing, increased heart rate, altered mental status, and jugular venous distension.

If an air embolism is suspected, occlude the source of air entry. Place the patient in a Trendelenburg position on their left side (if not contraindicated), apply oxygen at 100%, obtain vital signs, and immediately notify the provider.

To prevent air embolisms, perform the following steps when administering IV therapy: ensure the drip chamber is one-third to one-half filled, remove all air from the IV tubing by priming it prior to attaching it to the patient, use precautions when changing IV bags or adding secondary medication bags, ensure all IV connections are tight, and ensure clamps are used when the IV system is not in use.
Catheter Embolism A catheter embolism occurs when a small part of the cannula breaks off and flows into the vascular system. When removing a peripheral IV cannula, inspect the catheter tip to ensure the end is intact. Notify the provider immediately if the catheter tip is not intact when it is removed.
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection (CR-BSI) Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is caused by microorganisms introduced into the bloodstream through the puncture site, the hub, or contaminated IV tubing or IV solution, leading to bacteremia or sepsis. A CR-BSI is a hospital-acquired preventable infection and considered an adverse event. A CR-BSI is diagnosed when infection occurs with one positive blood culture in a patient with a vascular device (or a patient who had a vascular device within 48 hours before the infection) with no apparent source for the infection other than the vascular access device. Treatment for CR-BSI is IV antibiotic therapy.

To prevent CR-BSI, it is vital to perform hand hygiene prior to care and maintenance of an IV system and to use strict aseptic technique for care and maintenance of all IV therapy procedures.
  1. This work is a derivative of StatPearls by Beecham & Tackling and is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
  2. “Color-coding_of_IV_cannulas.jpg” by Dr.Vijaya Chandar is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↵
  3. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  4. This work is a derivative of StatPearls by Beecham & Tackling and is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
  5. “IV_Catheters_(9).JPG” by Intropin is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 ↵
  6. This work is a derivative of Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care by British Columbia Institute of Technology and is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
  7. Simin, D., Milutinović, D., Turkulov, V., & Brkić, S. (2018). Incidence, severity and risk factors of peripheral intravenous cannula‐induced complications: An observational prospective study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(9-10), 1585-1599. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14760 ↵
  8. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  9. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  10. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  11. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  12. Wang, J., Li, M. M., Zhou, L. P., Xie, R. H., Pakhale, S., Krewski, D., & Wen, S. W. (2022). Treatment for grade 4 peripheral intravenous infiltration with type 3 skin tears: A case report and literature review. International Wound Journal, 19(1), 222–229. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.13624 ↵
  13. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  14. Gorski, L. A., Hadaway, L., Hagle, M. E., Broadhurst, D., Clare, S., Kleidon, T., Meyer, B. M., Nickel, B., Rowley, S., Sharp, E., & Alexander, M. A. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(Suppl 1S), S1–S224. https://doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396.org ↵
  15. This work is a derivative of Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care by British Columbia Institute of Technology and is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
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