Background:

The scarcity of studies on local complications associated with peripheral venous catheterization in critically ill patients in Portugal compromises the implementation of adequate preventive measures.

Objective:

To analyze the local complications associated with peripheral venous catheterization in critically ill patients in an Intensive Care Unit in Portugal.

Methodology:

Prospective analytical cross-sectional study, carried out through the application of a registration grid developed by the researcher to a sample of 48 patients.

Results:

Mostly male sample (54.2%), with a mean age of 70.13 years, with a 20G peripheral venous catheter (58.5%), placed in the upper limb /58.5%) and diagnosed in the admission of infectious and parasitic diseases (33.3%). Local complications associated with peripheral venous catheterization were 11.6%, with 6.4% phlebitis, 2.3% infiltrations and 2.9% obstructions. These were associated with the catheter permanence time (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The frequency of complications was significant and the catheter length of stay influenced the frequency of complications. We suggest reducing catheter permanence time or using an alternative route whenever possible.

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