IV infiltrations and extravasations occur when fluid leaks out of the vein into surrounding soft tissue. Common signs include inflammation, tightness of the skin, and pain around the IV site. IV infiltration is a common complication of intravenous (IV) therapy.
What are the signs of IV infiltration?
- Redness around the site.
- Swelling, puffy or hard skin around the site.
- Blanching (lighter skin around the IV site)
- Pain or tenderness around the site.
- IV not working.
- Cool skin temperature around the IV site or of the scalp, hand, arm, leg or foot near the site.
What are the risks of IV infiltration?
- Skin damage such as scars, blisters, ulcers, or sores.
- Serious infections.
- Permanent nerve damage.
- Vein ruptures.
- Diminished use or amputation of the affected extremity.
What happens when your IV infiltration?
An infiltrated IV (intravenous) catheter happens when the catheter goes through or comes out of your vein. The IV fluid then leaks into the surrounding tissue. This may cause pain, swelling, and skin that is cool to the touch.
What is IV infiltration and what should the nurse do?
According to the Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice written by the Infusion Nurses Society (INS): Infiltration is the inadvertent administration of nonvesicant drugs or fluids into the subcutaneous tissue. Extravasation is the inadvertent administration of vesicant drugs or fluids into the subcutaneous tissue.
Is IV infiltration medical malpractice?
Infiltration can be caused by improper placement or dislodgement of the catheter. In some cases, patient movement can cause the catheter to slip out through the blood vessel lumen. … A patient who has been injured by IV infiltration can typically file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party.
How common is IV infiltration?
IV infiltration is a common complication of intravenous (IV) therapy. According to current medical reports, about 50% of IVs fail, with over 20% of those failures due to infiltration or extravasation.
How is extravasation treated?
If extravasation occurs, the injection should be stopped immediately and the IV tubing disconnected. Avoid applying pressure to the site, and do not flush the line. Leave the original catheter in place, and attempt to aspirate as much of the infiltrated drug as possible.
Can IV infiltration cause infection?
Minor complications can become more serious. For example, cellulitis is a bacterial infection, and if it occurs at a break in skin, it can be a complication of IV infiltration. Symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and warmth. The bacteria can spread through the body and are potentially dangerous.
Can IV infiltration cause blood clot?
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like.
What happens when an IV blows a vein?
Blown veins occur when a needle injures or irritates a vein, causing blood to leak into the surrounding area. In some cases, IV fluid or medication may also leak from the vein. Blown veins are usually not serious and will heal with treatment. A doctor or nurse may use pressure or ice to reduce any swelling.
How can you prevent phlebitis?
The best way to prevent phlebitis is to be active. Participate in daily exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, dance classes, etc. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or lying down (if possible). Avoid bed rest for prolonged periods.
What is infiltration and extravasation?
Infiltration and extravasation are two words used to describe when medicine or IV (intravenous) solution leaks into the tissue or skin around the IV insertion site. Both are caused when the vein leaks or the IV catheter comes out of the vein.
What happens if IV potassium infiltration?
Intravenous infusion of potassium chloride can cause dehydration, hypoxia, congestion, and edema of vascular endothelial cells, causing vasoconstriction and spasm.
Can I sue hospital for nerve damage from IV?
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim or Lawsuit After a Complication Related to an IV. Most victims who have suffered a severe case of IV infiltration can seek monetary compensation through medical malpractice claims or lawsuits to hold those negligent accountable for their actions. … Nerve damage caused by IV therapy.
Can you sue for IV extravasation?
If you or someone you love have suffered harm and losses due to IV infiltration, you may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Can IV infiltration cause compartment syndrome?
How Infiltration Can Lead to Compartment Syndrome. When an IV infiltrates, the fluid that should have been carried through the veins ends up seeping into the tissues surrounding the IV site. The buildup of fluid can lead to compartment syndrome.
How long does extravasation last?
This can also impede local blood flow by producing a pathological increase in tissue pressure. Infection of an extravasation injury can exacerbate the condition by triggering development of necrosis or an increase in existing necrosis. It may take up to 14 days for necrosis and final demarcation to be seen (4).
How do you prevent IV infiltration?
Preventing infiltration starts with choosing the right vein for the job. Select veins that feel smooth and resilient, not hard or cordlike. Avoid areas of flexion; the catheter could too easily become dislodged.
How is IV site phlebitis treated?
Monitor the patient’s vital signs and the I.V. site, and apply a warm, moist compress to the affected area as ordered. Continuous application of moist heat over 72 hours, along with administration of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, is the best treatment. Report phlebitis as an adverse patient outcome.
What actions would you consider for a patient with extravasation?
At the first sign of extravasation, the following steps are recommended: (1) stop administration of IV fluids immediately, (2) disconnect the IV tube from the cannula, (3) aspirate any residual drug from the cannula, (4) administer a drug-specific antidote, and (5) notify the physician (Fig.
How is Levophed infiltration treated?
Depending on the size of the extravasation, bring 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine to the bedside. This will need to be reconstituted, and further diluted to 0.5 mg/mL in normal saline. Treatment of the extravasation will involve the nurse administering the phentolamine intradermally around the site of the extravasation.
Does Remdesivir cause extravasation?
One of the most common adverse events with remdesivir use is skin rashes. The chemotherapeutic drugs are commonly known for their vesicant effect causing infusion site reactions. The severe type of reaction occurs due to drug extravasation which can occur immediately or may be delayed up to 6–12 hours.
What are the recommended nursing interventions when an IV becomes infiltrated What are the recommended nursing interventions when phlebitis is noted?
If you are concerned an IV is infiltrated, follow your facility policy and as a general guideline, discontinue the site and relocate the IV. If the infiltration is severe, apply warm compresses, elevate the arm, monitor the site and be sure to inform the healthcare provider.
How long does swelling from IV infiltration last?
The IV site will be raised above the level of the body, if it’s on the arm or leg. This keeps the fluid from pooling in one place and helps prevent tissue damage. The IV site will be watched for signs of tissue damage or infection. With treatment, the swelling should go down day by day.
Is it normal for your arm to swell after an IV?
If an IV hasn’t been inserted correctly, you may feel intense swelling and notice bruising. This can be a sign of IV infiltration, which occurs when the fluids or medications are going into the tissue under your skin and not into your vein.
Will phlebitis go away on its own?
In most cases, superficial thrombophlebitis goes away on its own after a few weeks. If needed, we can encourage healing with: Oral or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
How long does it take for a vein to heal after an IV?
However, when damage occurs the healing process could vary from days to years. A blown vein typically heals completely in 10-12 days, but vein regrowth typically falls on the other end of the spectrum.
What is phlebitis look like?
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein. The vein is hot, red and lumpy. The lump is tubular in shape and it is tender to touch, it may throb and walking may be painful. The cause of phlebitis in the leg is most often a clot in the vein just under the skin.
What does a burst vein look like?
Blood vessels can burst for many reasons, but it usually happens as a result of an injury. Bleeding into the skin can appear as small dots, called petechiae, or in larger, flat patches, called purpura.
What does a ruptured vein feel like?
Any kind of bleeding — whether inside or outside the body — is a sign of vascular trauma. If you’ve crushed a vein or artery, you may feel pain or pressure, and see or feel a lump or bruise.
How do you know you have a hematoma?
Hematomas can be seen under the skin or nails as purplish bruises of different sizes. Skin bruises can also be called contusions. Hematomas can also happen deep inside the body where they may not be visible. Hematomas may sometimes form a mass or lump that can be felt.
What is the fastest way to get rid of phlebitis?
For superficial thrombophlebitis, your doctor might recommend applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
What is phlebitis caused from?
Phlebitis Overview
Thrombophlebitis is due to one or more blood clots in a vein that cause inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm or other parts of the body. The thrombus in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins.
What happens if phlebitis is not treated?
Complications of phlebitis may include local infection and abscess formation, clot formation, and progression to a deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. When pronounced deep venous thrombophlebitis has seriously damaged the leg veins, this can lead to post-phlebitic syndrome.
What helps infiltrated potassium?
Local infiltration of the affected area with procaine hydrochloride, 1%, to which hyaluronidase may be added, will often reduce venospasm and dilute the potassium remaining in the tissues locally. Local application of heat may also be helpful.
What is the antidote for potassium chloride infiltration?
Once extravasation occurs, timely wet application with magnesium sulfate and local injection of papaverine and lidocaine may have been useful in producing a favorable recovery.
What is the most common complication of IV therapy?
- Phlebitis. Inflammation of the vein. …
- Extravasation. This happens when the liquid in the IV leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein. …
- Air Embolism. This happens when an air bubble (or air bubbles) enters the vein. …
- Hypervolaemia. This is an abnormal increase in blood volume. …
- Infection.