Takaloo Nursing Academy
Visual Infusion #Phlebitis (VIP) Score
Certainly! The Visual Infusion Phlebitis (VIP) Score is a scoring tool used to assess the condition of a peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula site, primarily to detect and monitor phlebitis (inflammation of the vein). This score helps healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the symptoms at the IV site and guide appropriate actions, such as re-siting the IV cannula or initiating treatment for infection or inflammation.
The VIP score ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe signs of complications.
### VIP Score Breakdown:
#### Score 0: No signs of phlebitis
- Description: No symptoms at the IV site. The IV site is normal with no redness, swelling, pain, or other concerns.
- Action: Continue monitoring the IV site, but no immediate interventions required.
#### Score 1: Slight redness at the site
- Description: Mild redness around the cannula site. There may be slight discomfort, but there is no significant swelling or warmth.
- Action: The cannula may remain in place, but it should be monitored closely. A change in positioning may be advised if symptoms worsen.
#### Score 2: Redness and swelling around the site
- Description: There is noticeable redness and slight swelling around the IV insertion site. There might be some pain or tenderness.
- Action: It is important to monitor the site. Consider re-positioning the IV or replacing it if the condition worsens.
#### Score 3: Pain, redness, and swelling
- Description: There is pain, swelling, and redness at the insertion site. The vein may feel slightly hard to the touch (indicating the beginning of phlebitis).
- Action: The IV should be removed as it may be causing inflammation or irritation. A change in the site is necessary, and the patient should be closely monitored for further signs of complications.
#### Score 4: Pain, redness, swelling, and a palpable venous cord
- Description: The insertion site is red, swollen, and painful. A palpable venous cord (hardening of the vein along the IV) is often present, which is a sign of phlebitis. The area is warm to touch.
- Action: This is a more severe case of phlebitis, requiring immediate removal of the IV cannula. The patient should be assessed for any signs of infection, and if necessary, appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotics) should be administered. The site should be monitored for any signs of systemic infection (e.g., fever).
#### Score 5: Purulent discharge and systemic infection
- Description: The site is red, swollen, painful, and may discharge pus or other fluids. There is also evidence of systemic infection (e.g., fever, chills) or sepsis. This is the most severe stage of phlebitis.
- Action: Immediate removal of the IV cannula is essential. The patient may need to be assessed for sepsis, and appropriate interventions (e.g., antibiotics, supportive care) should be started right away. The IV site may need to be replaced, and infection control protocols should be followed.
The VIP score ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe signs of complications.
### VIP Score Breakdown:
#### Score 0: No signs of phlebitis
- Description: No symptoms at the IV site. The IV site is normal with no redness, swelling, pain, or other concerns.
- Action: Continue monitoring the IV site, but no immediate interventions required.
#### Score 1: Slight redness at the site
- Description: Mild redness around the cannula site. There may be slight discomfort, but there is no significant swelling or warmth.
- Action: The cannula may remain in place, but it should be monitored closely. A change in positioning may be advised if symptoms worsen.
#### Score 2: Redness and swelling around the site
- Description: There is noticeable redness and slight swelling around the IV insertion site. There might be some pain or tenderness.
- Action: It is important to monitor the site. Consider re-positioning the IV or replacing it if the condition worsens.
#### Score 3: Pain, redness, and swelling
- Description: There is pain, swelling, and redness at the insertion site. The vein may feel slightly hard to the touch (indicating the beginning of phlebitis).
- Action: The IV should be removed as it may be causing inflammation or irritation. A change in the site is necessary, and the patient should be closely monitored for further signs of complications.
#### Score 4: Pain, redness, swelling, and a palpable venous cord
- Description: The insertion site is red, swollen, and painful. A palpable venous cord (hardening of the vein along the IV) is often present, which is a sign of phlebitis. The area is warm to touch.
- Action: This is a more severe case of phlebitis, requiring immediate removal of the IV cannula. The patient should be assessed for any signs of infection, and if necessary, appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotics) should be administered. The site should be monitored for any signs of systemic infection (e.g., fever).
#### Score 5: Purulent discharge and systemic infection
- Description: The site is red, swollen, painful, and may discharge pus or other fluids. There is also evidence of systemic infection (e.g., fever, chills) or sepsis. This is the most severe stage of phlebitis.
- Action: Immediate removal of the IV cannula is essential. The patient may need to be assessed for sepsis, and appropriate interventions (e.g., antibiotics, supportive care) should be started right away. The IV site may need to be replaced, and infection control protocols should be followed.
Takaloo Nursing Academy
Visual Infusion #Phlebitis (VIP) Score
### Why the VIP Score is Important:
- The VIP score helps healthcare professionals identify early signs of phlebitis or complications related to IV use.
- It guides the clinical response and ensures that timely interventions are made to prevent further complications, such as infection or sepsis.
- By using the VIP score, nurses and doctors can prevent prolonged inflammation and manage IV sites effectively.
### Conclusion:
If you observe an IV site with erythema, swelling, pain, and warmth, this may correspond to a VIP score of 4, indicating a significant issue with phlebitis that requires immediate attention. If a purulent discharge or signs of systemic infection (e.g., fever) appear, this corresponds to a VIP score of 5, which demands urgent intervention.
- The VIP score helps healthcare professionals identify early signs of phlebitis or complications related to IV use.
- It guides the clinical response and ensures that timely interventions are made to prevent further complications, such as infection or sepsis.
- By using the VIP score, nurses and doctors can prevent prolonged inflammation and manage IV sites effectively.
### Conclusion:
If you observe an IV site with erythema, swelling, pain, and warmth, this may correspond to a VIP score of 4, indicating a significant issue with phlebitis that requires immediate attention. If a purulent discharge or signs of systemic infection (e.g., fever) appear, this corresponds to a VIP score of 5, which demands urgent intervention.
Floppy in appearance
Floppy in appearance means being both soft and flexible and tending to flop. It can also describe a condition called hypotonia, which is abnormally low muscle tone that causes weakness and poor head control. Hypotonia is caused by problems transmitting messages within the central nervous system.
Floppy in appearance means being both soft and flexible and tending to flop. It can also describe a condition called hypotonia, which is abnormally low muscle tone that causes weakness and poor head control. Hypotonia is caused by problems transmitting messages within the central nervous system.
#Postpartum #hemorrhage (PPH) is classified based on when the bleeding occurs after delivery:
Primary (or early) PPH:
➤ Occurs within the first 24 hours after birth.
➤ Most commonly due to uterine atony, trauma, retained placenta, or coagulation issues.
✅ Secondary (or late) PPH:
➤ Occurs after 24 hours and up to 6 weeks postpartum.
➤ Often caused by retained products of conception, infection (endometritis), or subinvolution of the uterus.
Primary (or early) PPH:
➤ Occurs within the first 24 hours after birth.
➤ Most commonly due to uterine atony, trauma, retained placenta, or coagulation issues.
✅ Secondary (or late) PPH:
➤ Occurs after 24 hours and up to 6 weeks postpartum.
➤ Often caused by retained products of conception, infection (endometritis), or subinvolution of the uterus.
Takaloo Nursing Academy
🧴 Examples of Skin Barrier Products:
🧴 Examples of Skin Barrier Products:
✅ Barrier Creams and Ointments:
Cavilon™ Durable Barrier Cream (3M)
Sudocrem® (zinc-based; used in mild cases)
Proshield Plus® (Skin protectant and moisture barrier)
Medihoney Barrier Cream®
AQUACEL® Barrier Cream
✅ Barrier Films (Wipes or Sprays):
Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film (available in spray or wipe form)
Silesse® Sting-Free Skin Barrier
Clinisept+ Skin® (used in some trusts for both cleansing and protecting)
These create a thin, breathable, transparent layer over the skin that:
Protects against moisture, friction, and irritants
Is often long-lasting (up to 72 hours)
Can be used with or under dressings
📝 Typical uses:
Preventing moisture-associated skin damage (MASD)
Protecting early pressure areas (e.g., red but intact skin)
Preventing breakdown in patients with incontinence
Under dressings to reduce adhesive trauma
💡 Important note:
Barrier products are not wound dressings — they are for intact skin that is at risk, especially in early pressure damage (Stage 1), and are a core part of preventative skincare protocols.
✅ Barrier Creams and Ointments:
Cavilon™ Durable Barrier Cream (3M)
Sudocrem® (zinc-based; used in mild cases)
Proshield Plus® (Skin protectant and moisture barrier)
Medihoney Barrier Cream®
AQUACEL® Barrier Cream
✅ Barrier Films (Wipes or Sprays):
Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film (available in spray or wipe form)
Silesse® Sting-Free Skin Barrier
Clinisept+ Skin® (used in some trusts for both cleansing and protecting)
These create a thin, breathable, transparent layer over the skin that:
Protects against moisture, friction, and irritants
Is often long-lasting (up to 72 hours)
Can be used with or under dressings
📝 Typical uses:
Preventing moisture-associated skin damage (MASD)
Protecting early pressure areas (e.g., red but intact skin)
Preventing breakdown in patients with incontinence
Under dressings to reduce adhesive trauma
💡 Important note:
Barrier products are not wound dressings — they are for intact skin that is at risk, especially in early pressure damage (Stage 1), and are a core part of preventative skincare protocols.
Before administering any medication, the nurse must follow the 6 Rights of Medication Administration:
Right patient – confirm with name, DOB, and hospital number.
Right drug – ensure the prescription is for metronidazole.
Right dose – check what is prescribed.
Right route – e.g., oral.
Right time – ensure it is due at this time.
Right documentation – the prescription must be signed, and you must check when the last dose was given.
Additionally, checking allergies is crucial, especially for antimicrobial drugs.
Right patient – confirm with name, DOB, and hospital number.
Right drug – ensure the prescription is for metronidazole.
Right dose – check what is prescribed.
Right route – e.g., oral.
Right time – ensure it is due at this time.
Right documentation – the prescription must be signed, and you must check when the last dose was given.
Additionally, checking allergies is crucial, especially for antimicrobial drugs.
Takaloo Nursing Academy
The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS)
The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is a tool used to identify patients who are at risk of clinical deterioration. It helps healthcare professionals recognize early signs of deterioration in a patient’s condition, allowing for timely intervention. The score is based on a series of physiological parameters and observations that are routinely measured, such as:
Respiratory Rate (RR)
Heart Rate (HR)
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)
Temperature
Level of Consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS)
Each parameter is scored, and the total score is calculated to determine the level of concern.Scoring Interpretation:
0-4 points: Low risk of deterioration.
5-6 points: Moderate risk of deterioration, needs closer monitoring.
7 or more points: High risk of deterioration, immediate intervention required.
Use in Practice:
MEWS is used as a clinical decision support tool in hospitals to guide healthcare professionals in identifying patients who might need further assessment, higher levels of care, or escalation of treatment. It is typically used in the acute care setting (e.g., emergency departments, intensive care units) and can help in making decisions about escalation of care, such as calling for urgent medical support, or transferring patients to higher levels of care.
Respiratory Rate (RR)
Heart Rate (HR)
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)
Temperature
Level of Consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS)
Each parameter is scored, and the total score is calculated to determine the level of concern.Scoring Interpretation:
0-4 points: Low risk of deterioration.
5-6 points: Moderate risk of deterioration, needs closer monitoring.
7 or more points: High risk of deterioration, immediate intervention required.
Use in Practice:
MEWS is used as a clinical decision support tool in hospitals to guide healthcare professionals in identifying patients who might need further assessment, higher levels of care, or escalation of treatment. It is typically used in the acute care setting (e.g., emergency departments, intensive care units) and can help in making decisions about escalation of care, such as calling for urgent medical support, or transferring patients to higher levels of care.