Phlebitis Grades Scale Involving Peripheral Intravascular Catheter

Burke modified the scale developed by Maddox et al for grading phlebitis associated with a peripheral intravascular catheter.

Parameters:

(1) pain

(2) redness

(3) edema

(4) palpable venous cord

(5) pus or purulent drainage

(6) tissue necrosis or abscess

If pus, drainage or abscess are present, then cultures should be taken.

The catheter should be replaced for Grade 2 and higher.

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Purpose: To grade the severity of phlebitis associated with a peripheral intravenous catheter using Burke's modification of the scale of Maddox et al.