Which of the following is a listed preventative measure for phlebitis?

• A. Keep the infusion flowing at the prescribed rate
• B. Select a small vein when using irritating drugs
• C. Change tubing every 24 hours
• D. Change IV site every 7 days

Answer: (A)

Phlebitis happens when the vein becomes inflamed from IV therapy, often due to irritation from the drug or the way it’s delivered. Keeping the infusion flowing at the prescribed rate helps prevent this by avoiding high local concentrations of the solution against the vein wall and reducing mechanical irritation from fluctuating flow. A steady, correct rate means the drug reaches the vein gradually and consistently, which minimizes chemical and physical stress on the vessel.

The other options either increase irritation or aren’t specifically aimed at preventing phlebitis: choosing a small vein for irritating drugs concentrates the irritant on a thinner vein wall; changing tubing every 24 hours is primarily an infection-control step and doesn’t directly prevent vein inflammation; changing the IV site every 7 days ignores early signs of irritation and may leave the same irritated site for too long. Keeping to the prescribed rate directly reduces the risk of phlebitis.