Can phlebitis be prevented?
Simple measures can be taken to prevent phlebitis, although, sometimes it cannot be avoided. Preventive measures of phlebitis include: • early mobilization after surgery, • leg exercises during a long car travel or airplane ride, • good nursing hygiene and prompt removal of intravenous catheters, and • smoking cessation. Compression stockings may be beneficial in people with recurrent phlebitis. In most hospitalized patients who have limited mobility or had recent orthopedic surgery, a low dose of blood thinners [heparin or enoxaparin (Lovenox)] may be injected routinely in order to prevent blood clot formation by keeping the blood relatively thin. This preventive dose is generally lower than the doses used for treating existing blood clots. Phlebitis At A Glance • Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein and it can be caused by any insult to the blood vessel wall, impaired venous flow, or coagulation abnormality. • Pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness are some common symptoms of
