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Baxter Scale for Phlebitis Associated with Intravascular Catheter

Purpose: To evaluate the insertion site for an intravenous catheter using the scale of Maddox et al for catheter-related phlebitis.

Description

The severity of phlebitis associated with an intravenous (IV) catheter can be graded using a scale developed by Maddox et al. It was subsequently referred to by Baxter Healthcare, Ltd.


 

Parameters:

(1) pain

(2) erythema

(3) swelling

(4) induration

(5) palpable venous cord

(6) other findings

Clinical Findings at IV Site

Grade

no pain, no erythema, no swelling; no induration, no palpable venous cord

0

pain or erythema; no swelling, no induration, no palpable venous cord

1+

pain and (erythema and/or swelling); no induration, no palpable venous cord

2+

pain and erythema and swelling and (induration and/or palpable venous cord < 3 inches above the IV site)

3+

pain and erythema and swelling and induration and a palpable venous cord >= 3 inches above the IV site

4+

pain and erythema and swelling and induration and a palpable venous cord >= 3 inches above the IV site, plus frank vein thrombosis; the IV infusion may have stopped running because of the thrombosis

5+

 


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Specialty

Objective

ICD-10