What are the signs of IV infiltration?
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 does infiltration look like?
Some major signs of infiltration and extravasation include: Swelling at or near the IV site. The skin will feel tight and cool to the touch. Some patients experience intense pain or burning while others may just feel slight discomfort. Skin discoloration.
What is an IV infiltration?
Infiltration. Infiltration occurs when I.V. fluid or medications leak into the surrounding tissue. Infiltration can be caused by improper placement or dislodgment of the catheter. Patient movement can cause the catheter to slip out or through the blood vessel lumen.
What are the risks of IV infiltration?
Complications from IV infiltration can range from mild discomfort to serious injuries:
- 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 is infiltration of an IV?
What does an infiltrated IV mean?
What happens when 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.
How does IV infiltration occur in the body?
The IV infiltration most commonly occurs when the IV catheter is dislodged from its normal place, leading to the fluids infiltrating in the nearby tissues. The infiltration of non-vesicant drugs into the subcutaneous tissues can be the result of numerous actions, such as: Puncturing the vein wall during the insertion of the IV catheter
What are the interventions for infiltration and extravasation?
IV catheter insertion and early recognition and intervention upon the first signs and symptoms of infiltration and extravasation. Nursing interventions include early recognition, prevention, and treatment (including the controversial use of antidotes, and heat and cold therapy).
Which is the best antidote for IV infiltration?
One of the most recommended antidotes to be administered is represented by hyaluronidase, which has fluid reabsorption as one of its main properties. In case of a gross IV infiltration, surgical intervention might be necessary to avoid the appearance of life-threatening symptoms.
Where to avoid insertion of an IV catheter?
The risk of IV infiltration can be seriously reduced by avoiding the insertion of the IV catheter in areas where there is a lot of movement, such as the hand, wrist or even the antecubital fossa. The most recommended point of access for the prevention of the IV infiltration is the forearm, where there are a lot…