What are the complications of IV cannulation?
Complications include infection, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage, extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries. Careful adherence to guidelines and procedures can minimise these risks.
What happens when extravasation takes place?
Extravasation occurs when a vesicant drug leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue. When this happens, a person will likely experience serious tissue damage, including ulceration and tissue death, if they do not receive treatment in time.
What are the symptoms of IV extravasation?
What are signs of an infiltration/extravasation?
- 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 is an immediate symptom of extravasation?
It is essential to recognize that an extravasation has taken place as quickly as possible. Signs and symptoms of vesicant extravasation include swelling, redness and/or discomfort that is often described as a burning or stinging sensation.
What are common cannula site complications?
Common complications are:
- Infection: Skin-based bacteria may enter through insertion site.
- Phlebitis: Vein irritation. Due to the presence of the catheter/fluids or medication.
- Infiltration/Extravasation: delivery of fluids or medications into surrounding tissue. If Infiltration/extravasation occurs…
What are the four common complications of administering anything IV?
Complications of gaining I.V. may include infiltration, hematoma, an air embolism, phlebitis, extravascular drug administration, and intraarterial injection. Intraarterial injection is more rare, but as threatening.
How is extravasation injuries treated?
Treatment of a vesicant extravasation includes immediate cessation of infusion, aspiration of as much extravasated drug as possible through the still-intact catheter, and attempts for the aspiration of the extravasated agent in the surrounding tissue. This aspiration may help to limit the extent of tissue damage.
Why does extravasation happen?
An extravasation occurs when there is accidental infiltration of a vesicant or chemotherapeutic drug into the surrounding IV site. Vesicants can cause tissue destruction and / or blistering. Irritants can result in pain at the IV site and along the vein and may or may not cause inflammation.
What is the most common cause of extravasation?
Can IV infiltration cause 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. Symptoms usually begin within 6 to 8 hours, but sometimes may not be seen for up to 48 hours.
How is IV 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.
How is extravasation treated?