Intravenous cannulation, while a vital medical procedure, carries several potential complications. Five common complications include:
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Clotting: Blood clots can form within the cannula, obstructing blood flow and requiring removal or replacement of the IV line. This can lead to further complications if the clot breaks free.
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Occlusion: A blockage in the cannula, caused by either clots or other debris, prevents the administration of fluids or medications. This necessitates intervention, potentially involving flushing or replacement of the IV.
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Leakage: Fluid leakage from the cannula site can cause discomfort, swelling, and potential damage to surrounding tissues. Proper placement and securement techniques are crucial to minimize this risk.
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Infiltration/Extravasation: This occurs when IV fluid leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue. Infiltration involves non-vesicant fluids and typically causes swelling and discomfort. Extravasation, involving vesicant fluids, can result in more severe tissue damage, requiring intervention like antidote administration.
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Infection: Bacteria can enter the bloodstream at the cannulation site, leading to local infection or potentially more serious bloodstream infections (bacteremia or sepsis). Strict aseptic techniques are vital to prevent this.
These complications, as highlighted in various sources [4], can range in severity from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Understanding these risks and implementing appropriate preventive measures are essential for patient safety. Sources such as [4, 11-Jan-2023] highlight clotting, occlusion, leakage, infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and infection as significant complications. Other research https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-022-01164-x and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9180592/ further emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing these risks to ensure optimal patient care. Additional complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), hematoma (blood collection), and arterial puncture, are also noted in the literature.
