Survey of Complications of Peripheral Venous Catheterization at an Intensive Care Unit of (ICU) of Susa City

Background: Peripheral catheters are the most common invasive procedures in patients, and have several therapeutic uses, yet result in infectious and non-infectious complications as well as problems such as pain and bruising, drug and fluid leakage out of the vessels, ecchymosis, hematoma, thrombosis, embolism, infection and phlebitis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the complications of peripheral veins catheterization and some related factors at an intensive care unit (ICU) of Susa city. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 224 catheters in patients, who were hospitalized for at least 48 hours at the intensive care unit. Data was collected through a questionnaire (demographic information, medications, catheter number, catheter site and placement) and a checklist of catheter mechanical complications and phlebitis checklist. Review of the catheter sitewasdoneas well (at first, second, thirdandfourth, twelfth hour). Toanalyze the data, descriptiveandanalytical statistics (chi-square and Mann-Whitney) were used, and the significance level was considered as P 0.05. Results: The highest frequency was found in the age group of 30 to 60 years old. Results showed no significant correlation between age and incidence of complications and phlebitis, the insertion of catheter, and catheter assembly site (P 0.05). A significant correlation was reported between variables such as type of drugs, catheter survival time, and work shift (P 0.05). Conclusions: Due to mechanical problems and phlebitis caused by peripheral catheters, choosing the right location and proper care and management of catheters can reduce the risk of complications and prevent overload to the patient and system due to increased skills by using educational programs.