(1)
Types of Thrombophlebitis.
(a) Femoral- nflammation along the femoral, popliteal, or sephenous
veins.
(b) Pelvic-inflammation/infection of the pelvic veins.
(c)
Superficial- nflammation/infection of the superficial saphenous
veins.
(2)
Signs and Symptoms.
(a) Pain.
(b) Fever.
(c)
Localized tenderness and/or swelling and redness.
(d) Chills.
(3)
Medical Treatment.
(a) Antibiotic therapy.
(b)
Anticoagulant therapy-heparin.
(c)
Blood transfusions as needed.
(4)
Nursing Management.
(a)
Bed rest.
(b) Analgesics as needed.
(c)
Elastic leg supports where indicated.
(d) For leg involvement, apply warm moist soaks to affected area(s).
b. Pulmonary Embolus. This is a major complication of thrombophlebitis. It
results when a clot breaks loose, travels through the circulatory system, and obstructs
the pulmonary arterial bed. It is a serious, life-threatening situation.
(1)
Signs and symptoms.
(a) Chest pain.
MD0922
6-20