A Study to Assess and Compare the Effectiveness of Moist Heat Versus Ice Packs Application in Reducing the Signs and Symptoms of Intravenous Cannulation Induced Thrombophlebitis Among Patients Admitted in Civil Hospital of Dausa District, Rajasthan

Abstract

Peripheral Intravenous (I.V.) cannulation is an invasive procedure which predisposes the patient to an increased risk of local and systemic infection from micro-organisms introduced either at the time of insertion or when in situ. Peripheral I.V. cannulae related infections are associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization and increased costs. Therefore, a study to assess and compare the effectiveness of moist heat versus ice packs application in reducing the signs and symptoms of intravenous cannulation induced thrombophlebitis among patients. A pre experimental research approach using one group pre-test post-test repeated measure design was used to assess and compare the effectiveness of moist heat versus ice packs application in reducing the signs and symptoms of intravenous cannulation induced thrombophlebitis. The study was conducted in medical and surgical wards of the Civil Hospital, Dausa district and a sample of 60 (30 patients in each group) was selected using purposive sampling technique. Treatment with moist heat and ice packs application for 20 minutes every two hourly were given to both the group. Modified visual infusion phlebitis was used to assess the prevalence of sign and symptoms of I.V. cannulation thrombophlebitis and Numerical Rating Scale was used for pain assessment. The obtained data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of frequencies, percentages and chi square association. The moist heat and ice packs were equally effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of I.V. cannulation induced thrombophlebitis i.e. pain, Erythema, induration and warmth. The moist heat was sustained, but ice packs had immediate effects in reducing the signs and symptoms of I.V. cannulation induced thrombophlebitis. There were no association between the level of pain, Erythema, induration and warmth with selected personal variables.