• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.188-195
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of the replacement time intervals of 18 gauge peripheral intravenous catheters (PICs) by investigating the development of phlebitis. Methods: The subjects were 200 hospitalized patients over 18 yrs old aged who have 18 gauge PICs placed for surgery. After the insertion of PICs, the researcher monitored the insertion site daily for 96 hours for any signs of phlebitis. Results: Phlebitis developed in 25.7% of patients. Patients who developed phlebitis were significantly older and were receiving fluids with faster infusion rate. However, patients with and without phlebitis were not different by gender, insertion site, fluid osmolality, or pH of drugs administered. The incidence rate of phlebitis was higher than 10%(12.9%) starting 24~48 hours after the insertion of 18 gauge PICs. Conclusion: It is recommended to replace 18 gauge PICs within 24~48 hours after insertion. Close monitoring of the PICs insertion site for the signs of phlebitis is recommended.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.145-153
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to re-assess the replacement time intervals of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PICs) by investigating phlebitis rates according to the indwelling times of PICs. Methods: The study was conducted on 340 patients in S hospital by an IV team. After PIC insertion, IV team members evaluated once a day. The PICs were replaced every 96 hours, and let them in situ when the patients wanted to, in the absence of any sign of complications, from 97 hours to 153 hours. Results: Total phlebitis rate was 19.6%. There were no significantly different factors associated with the occurrence of phlebitis. The incidence rates of phlebitis were 12.6% and 7.0% before and after 72 hours of PIC insertion, and recorded zero after 96 hours. Conclusion: It would be recommendable to maintain PIC in situ for longer than 72 hours if there is no sign of complication such as phlebitis in close monitoring of PIC insertion site.