Objective To formulate a rational adjuvant therapeutic evidence-based nursing plan for a patient with grade II red and swelling type phlebitis. Methods According to the condition of the patient and using the PICO principle, we put forward clinical problems. Then we comprehensively searched the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), ACP Journal Club, The Cochrane Library, DARE, PubMed, MEDLINE, CNKI and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2012. Relevant clinical guidelines, evidence summaries, systematic reviews/ meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and high quality reviews on adjuvant therapy of grade II red and swelling type phlebitis were collected and their authenticity, importance and applicability were evaluated. Results One systematic review, four meta-analyses, five RCTs, and one review were totally included. According to current evidence as well as the patient’s clinical conditions and preference, a comprehensive and effective adjuvant therapeutic and nursing programme was given to the patient. For grade II red and swelling type phlebitis with blisters and severe pain, paretic infusion should be immediately stopped on the lesion-side limb, and venous indwelling needle should be extracted. Then, mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream should be applied on the skin impaired by vein inflammation, and the local area should be gently massaged for 3 min, twice daily (once in the morning and evening, respectively). After four-day treatment and nursing care, the patient with phlebitis had already recovered. Conclusion Evidence-based medicine approaches could help us develop comprehensive therapeutic plans for patients which promote recovery of patients with phlebitis, alleviate pain, improve health, and increasepatients’ quality of life.