Which patients are at higher risk for developing thrombophlebitis?

Patients receiving frequent venipunctures or irritant medications are at a higher risk for developing thrombophlebitis due to the nature of how thrombophlebitis occurs. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the vein, typically associated with the presence of a thrombus (blood clot). Frequent venipunctures can cause irritation to the vein's inner lining, leading to an inflammatory response. The irritation may be compounded further by the administration of irritant medications, which can directly damage the endothelial cells of the veins.

In contrast, while patients on long-term antibiotics or those who are dehydrated may face their own set of risks, they do not directly correlate with the mechanical and chemical irritations that lead to thrombophlebitis. Infrequent infusions generally do not contribute to the repetitive trauma or chemical exposure that heightens the risk. Therefore, the relationship between mechanical interventions and exposure to irritants is what places patients receiving frequent venipunctures or irritant medications at the greatest risk for this condition.