a. General.

Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation/infection of pooled and clotted blood in a vein.

(1) Types of Thrombophlebitis.

(a) Femoral- inflammation along the femoral, popliteal, or saphenous veins.

(b) Pelvic-inflammation/infection of the pelvic veins.

(c) Superficial- inflammation/infection of the superficial saphenous veins.

(2) Signs and Symptoms.

(a) Pain.

(b) Fever.

(c) Localized tenderness and/or swelling and redness.

(d) Chills.

(3) Medical Treatment.

(a) Antibiotic therapy.

(b) Anticoagulant therapy-heparin.

(c) Blood transfusions as needed.

(4) Nursing Management.

(a) Bed rest.

(b) Analgesics as needed.

(c) Elastic leg supports where indicated.

(d) For leg involvement, apply warm moist soaks to affected area(s).

b. Pulmonary Embolus.

This is a major complication of thrombophlebitis. It results when a clot breaks loose, travels through the circulatory system, and obstructs the pulmonary arterial bed. It is a serious, life-threatening situation.

(1) Signs and symptoms.

(a) Chest pain.

(b) Sudden shortness of breath.

(c) Rapid respirations.

(d) Air hunger/anxiety.

(e) Circulatory collapse–weak, rapid pulse and hypotension.

(f) Cyanosis.

(2) Treatment and nursing care.

(a) Administer oxygen as ordered.

(b) Give sedatives to relax the patient as ordered.

(c) Perform surgery to remove the embolus.

(d) Monitor vital signs very closely (at least every hour).

(e) Transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) if necessary.

(f) Provide emotional support since the patient may be restricted from seeing her baby due to visitation policies.