NURSING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CARE AND PREVENTION OF PHLEBITIS IN VENOUS ACCESS DEVICES

Abstract

Phlebitis is one of the most common complications associated with the use of peripheral and central venous access devices, representing a significant challenge to patient safety and the quality of healthcare delivery. It is characterized by inflammation of the vein wall, which may be caused by mechanical, chemical, or infectious factors, resulting in pain, swelling, redness, and increased local temperature. In this context, nursing plays a crucial role in the prevention, early identification, and appropriate management of this complication. This study aimed to analyze the contributions of nursing to the care and prevention of phlebitis in venous access devices, highlighting evidence-based nursing interventions. This is a descriptive qualitative literature review conducted through a systematic search in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including the LILACS, MEDLINE, and BDENF databases. Articles published between 2020 and 2025, in Portuguese and English, addressing phlebitis and nursing care were included. The findings demonstrated that the implementation of care protocols, continuous staff training, appropriate selection of venous devices, proper catheter insertion and maintenance techniques, and systematic clinical monitoring significantly reduce the incidence of phlebitis. Furthermore, the use of standardized assessment scales for insertion sites, combined with patient education, facilitates the early detection of inflammatory changes and prevents more severe complications. It is concluded that nursing plays a strategic role in promoting patient safety, preventing adverse events, and improving the quality of intravenous therapy-related care, contributing to better clinical outcomes and a more humanized approach to healthcare.