SUPERFICIAL THROMBOPHLEBITIS
PROBLEM
Superficial thrombophlebitis occurs when a vein is irritated or injured. The portion of the vein that is affected can develop a blood clot or become infected, causing redness, swelling, and pain. If untreated, the infection and/or blood clot can progress into a life-threatening condition like sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
CAUSES
Many things can cause irritation and injury to veins. These include a recent intravenous line placed during a hospital stay, infection, some medications, and pregnancy. Some risk factors cannot be changed, like genetics, whereas others can be changed, including inactivity and excessive weight.
PREVENTION
A.Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
B.If you smoke, stop or reduce the amount you smoke. It is never too late to stop smoking.
C.If overweight or obese, lose weight. Discuss what you can do to lose weight with your healthcare provider.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Take your medications as ordered by your healthcare provider.
B.Raise the affected arm or leg whenever lying down to improve pain and swelling.
C.Warm compresses to the affected area may improve pain.
D.Wear compression stockings. Put them on before getting out of bed in the morning. Take them off just before going to bed at night.
E.Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
F.Follow up with your primary healthcare provider on a regularly scheduled basis.
Activity:
A.Get regular exercise. Discuss with your health care provider what type and frequency of exercise is safe for you.
B.Exercise leg muscles by pumping ankles when sitting. Rocking in a rocking chair is another option.
Diet:
A.Discuss with your healthcare provider the type of diet that best suits your needs: Diabetic diet, low-fat diet, low-cholesterol diet, and/or low-sodium diet.
Medications:
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have the following:
A.Contact the office if you have any of these symptoms:
1.Worsening pain in an arm or leg.
2.Fever over 101°F.
3.Any temperature change in a hand or foot.
4.Any change in feeling of a hand or foot.
5.Any change in the color of a hand or foot.
6.Difficulty walking.
7.Vomiting or other illness that causes you to miss more than one dose of your medications.
B.Contact the office if you are experiencing any new symptom(s) not present at your last office visit.
C.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
Mayo Clinic – Superficial Thrombophlebitis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354607
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