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Published on: February 10, 2011
Infiltration and extravasation in pediatric patients: A prevalence study in a children's hospital
Gülçin Özalp Gerçeker1, Ayşe Kahraman2, Figen Yardimci2
11 Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey.
Insights
Pediatric infiltration and extravasation rates are high, with current interventions being insufficient. Enhanced training for nurses is crucial for prevention and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Vascular Access Devices
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Infiltration and extravasation are common complications of peripheral intravenous therapy in children.
- Effective management and prevention strategies are essential for pediatric patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of infiltration and extravasation in pediatric patients.
- To identify interventions used for these complications in a children's hospital.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, descriptive research design.
- Study conducted from September 2015 to February 2016.
- Sample included 297 peripheral catheters in 173 pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- Infiltration occurred in 2.9% of patients and extravasation in 2.3%.
- Prevalence rates were 5.5 and 4.4 per 1000 patient-days, respectively.
- Interventions included gauze dressing, cold application, saline irrigation, and elevation.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of infiltration and extravasation noted.
- Current interventions were found to be inadequate.
- Need for targeted training and implementation strategies for pediatric nurses to prevent these events.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of infiltration and extravasation among children staying in a children's hospital and the interventions carried out when infiltration or extravasation occurred.
Methods:
A prospective and descriptive research design was used in the study, conducted between September 2015 and February 2016, and determined the prevalence of infiltration and extravasation and their characteristics. The study sample consisted of 297 peripheral catheters in 173 pediatric patients.
Results:
Of 297 peripheral catheters, 50.8% were located on the right and 30.6% were inserted in the dorsal metacarpal vein. Infiltration and extravasation occurred in 2.9% and 2.3% of the patients, respectively. The prevalence of infiltration and extravasation was 5.5 and 4.4 per 1000 patient-days, respectively. The applied interventions after infiltration or extravasation included covering with a gauze dressing or alcohol-soaked cotton, cold application, irrigation with physiological saline, and elevation.
Conclusion:
The infiltration and extravasation prevalence were found to be high, but the interventions to address them were inadequate. Training and implementation strategies should be planned for pediatric nurses to prevent infiltration and extravasation.
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