Appropriate Length of Cold Compress Application Time for Treatment of Infusion Phlebitis : An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

　Cold (20℃) compresses are applied as part of nursing care for relief of inflammatory symptoms induced by infusion phlebitis. However, the most appropriate length of time for which compresses should be applied has not been investigated scientifically. Therefore, using a rat model, the present study was conducted to clarify the most appropriate length of time for which a cold compress should be applied in order to inhibit the inflammatory reactions induced by infusion phlebitis. After creation of experimental phlebitis on the tail of rats, cold compresses were applied to the tail lesions for 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Control rats received no compresses, and were investigated for gross findings including skin swelling, as well as being subjected to microscopic examinations. Clear differences in the sizes of skin swellings were demonstrated between the two cold compress groups. The most effective compress application time for inhibition of inflammatory reactions was 30 minutes.