What are the recommended nursing interventions when an IV becomes infiltrated?
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.
What is IV infiltration and what should the nurse do?
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.Feb 10, 2015
How long does an infiltrated IV take to heal?
Blown veins require medical treatment, but they do not usually result in long-term damage to the vein and generally heal in 10–12 days.Dec 22, 2020
What happens if an IV infiltrates?
Last updated on Apr 4, 2022. 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.Apr 4, 2022
Is an infiltrated IV an emergency?
In extreme cases, IV infiltration may even result in death. If you have been injured or a loved one has died following untreated IV infiltration, you may have legal options that can help you recover damages for medical expenses and personal pain and suffering.Jun 3, 2019
How is extravasation 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.
How long does it take for infiltration swelling to go down?
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.
What are the signs of IV infiltration?
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF IV INFILTRATION/EXTRAVASATION INCLUDE: Swelling at, or near the IV site. Tightness on the skin. Pain, burning, discomfort. The feeling of cool skin.Nov 23, 2021
Return to The Emergency Department If
1. You develop a fever more than 101º F. 2. Your symptoms get worse. 3. You have thick or bloody drainage from the IV site.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider If
1. You develop a new burning or stinging feeling near your infiltration site. 2. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Manage Your Infiltration Site
1. Use cold or heat packs as directed. Your healthcare provider will tell you which to use according to the type of infiltrated fluid. 2. Rest and...
Follow Up With Your Healthcare Provider in 1 Day Or as Directed
You may need to follow up weekly so that your healthcare provider can check your wound. He may refer you to a plastic surgeon or wound care special...
What are the symptoms of I.V. infiltration?
Common signs and symptoms of I.V. infiltration include the following: Edema. Blanching. Coolness at the insertion site.
What is the intervention used to treat reabsorption of fluids?
Another intervention that may be used is the administration of an antidote. Hyaluronidase breaks down subcutaneous cellular components to promote the reabsorption of fluids and is often used in severe cases. You, as the nurse, will receive an order for the proper dose and administration of hyaluronidase.
What is nonvesicant drug?
Nonvesicant drugs are drugs that do not cause blisters or tissue necrosis. A related complication is I.V. extravasation, which occurs when vesicant drugs escape the vein and leak out into the surrounding tissue.
Why does my vein leak out?
Sometimes the patient's movements can dislodge the I.V. catheter. Another cause is inflammation, which can enlarge the gap between the cells in the wall of the vein, thus letting fluid leak out.
What happens when an IV catheter is infiltrated?
The IV fluid then leaks into the surrounding tissue. This may cause pain, swelling, and skin that is cool to the touch.
How to reduce swelling in arm?
Rest and elevate your arm above the level of your heart as directed . This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your arm on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably. Do not use soaps, lotion, or creams on the area unless directed by your healthcare provider.
What causes IV infiltration?
The catheter can exit the vein by either backing out from the point of insertion or puncturing through the other side of the vein. Leakages are another cause of infiltration.
Why does IV infiltration cause fluid to leak out?
Usually due to inflammation, which widens the gaps between cells of the vein wall, allowing fluid to leak out. Signs. Left untreated and unchecked, IV infiltration can lead to excessive fluid in one or more compartments of the arm, causing damage to nerves, arteries, and muscles.
How does an IV catheter exit the vein?
The catheter can exit the vein by either backing out from the point of insertion or puncturing through the other side of the vein. Leakages are another cause of infiltration.
Why do IVs fail?
According to current medical reports, about 50% of IVs fail, with over 20% of those failures due to infiltration or extravasation. 1. Infiltration. Infiltration is the accidental leakage of non-vesicant solutions out of the vein into the surrounding tissue. This can occur with many antibiotics, dextrose solutions, or even normal saline.
What happens when a catheter enters a vein?
The medication or fluid escapes through the area where the catheter entered the vein. Can occur when there is a clot or restriction to normal venous blood flow causing the fluid or medication to back up out of the insertion site. Catheter Backs Out of Insertion Site. The catheter exits the vein completely.
Why does my IV needle hurt?
Nerve damage from IV insertion is relatively rare. It can be caused by puncturing the nerve with the needle when an IV is started, or from compartment syndrome. Another potential cause is infiltration – when the fluid leaks into the tissue around the vein.
What happens if you leave an IV infected?
When left unchecked and untreated, IV infiltration can result in pain, swelling, compartment syndrome, and even amputation of the affected limb. When the leaked solution from an infiltration is a vesicant drug—one that causes tissue injury blisters or severe tissue damage—it is referred to as an extravasation.
Definition
- The IV infiltration can be defined as a complication of the intravenous therapy, with the administered medication infiltrating into the surrounding tissues. The leakage of the IV-administered fluids is clearly unintended, the condition being often presented as extravasation. …
Signs and Symptoms
- These are the most common signs and symptoms of the IV infiltration: 1. Inflammation at or near the site of insertion 2. The skin is taut and swollen 3. Intense pain is experienced by the patient 4. The skin around the IV site is blanche and cool 5. The dressing applied over the IV site is either damp or wet 6. The infusion has reduced its speed or it has stopped altogether 7. If the solution …
Grading
- In the clinical practice, the IV infiltration can be graded into five different categories: Zero 1. No symptoms First grade 1. Skin appearance – blanche skin 2. Edema – under 1 inch (in any direction) 3. The skin is cool upon touch 4. The patient can be with or without pain Second grade 1. Skin appearance – blanche skin 2. Edema – between 1 and 6 inches (in any direction) 3. The s…
Prevention
- In order to prevent complications such as the IV infiltration, it is important that one follows the standard policy for the insertion of an intravenous catheter. If you are at the start of your nursing career, it is for the best that you practice the venipuncture skills on patients who do not suffer from chronic medical conditions and are well-hydrated. As you gain more experience, you can m…
Management
- If you suspect that the IV infiltration has occurred, the first and most important thing that you should do is discontinue the IV line. You might be reluctant to remove the IV catheter, especially if you have had difficulties in inserting it in the first place, due to the poor vein structure. However, you must not think about yourself but about the patient and how much discomfort and pain the I…