How do you deal with extravasation?
Michael King
Updated on March 01, 2026
How do you deal with extravasation?
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.
What is the very first thing you should do if you suspect a drug extravasation?
When an extravasation occurs or is suspected, the first action to take is to stop the infusion (AII). Leave the cannula in position and attempt to aspirate as much of the vesicant as possible from the device; if an antidote is available, an appropriate amount should be instillated through the existing i.v. (AIII).
How do you treat extravasation of an antineoplastic medication?
Hyaluronidase has been used for the treatment of vinca alkaloid and taxane extravasations. Doses of hyaluronidase ranging from 150 to 1,500 units diluted in 1 mL of normal saline subcutaneously or intradermally within 1 hour of extravasation have been used.
What should be in an extravasation kit?
Recommended contents:
- instructions for use.
- copy of list of classification of drugs and antidotes – Link to Quicklinks table – extravasation management.
- 3 x 10 mL syringes.
- 3 x 5 mL syringes.
- blunt drawing up needles.
- 4 x 25 or 27 gauge needles.
- 4 x 5 mL sterile water for injection.
What may indicate an extravasation injury?
Extravasation of intravenous fluids is marked initially by pain and swelling, which then progresses to blanching, blistering, and discolouration of the skin. Pain is the most useful symptom to alert the administrator to the possibility of a complication.
What should a nurse do to prevent extravasation?
Limiting the pump cycle to one hour may minimise the extent of tissue damage from extravasation by triggering a reminder to inspect the insertion site and limb for signs of extravasation. Nursing vigilance along with prompt recognition and management is the key to avoiding or minimising injury.
How do you manage both infiltration and extravasation?
How is it treated?
- Elevate the site as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
- Apply a warm or cold compress (depending on the fluid) for 30 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Medication-If recommended, medicine for extravasations is given within 24 hours for best effect.
What should you do if amiodarone is infiltration?
Recommendations for amiodarone extravasation management generally involve supportive care with compresses; however, extravasations refractory to standard care can be managed with intradermal hyaluronidase.
When Should extravasation be suspected?
Extravasation should be suspected if one or more of the following symptoms have occured: 1. The patient complains of stinging, burning pain or other acute change at the injection site. This should be distinguished from a feeling of cold, which may occur with some drugs or venospasm, which occurs with irritants.
How long can extravasation injury last?
The damage can extend to involve nerves, tendons, and joints and can continue for months after the initial insult. If treatment is delayed, surgical debridement, skin grafting, and even amputation may be the unfortunate consequences of such an injury [1].
What happens when a cannula tissues?
Serious damage can be sustained if the surrounding tissue is directly exposed to some intravenous infusions, such as the drugs used during chemotherapy and those containing potassium or calcium. There can be soft tissue loss, and scarring around nerves, joints and tendons.
What is the best choice of cannula size?
Choice of cannula For infusions of viscous fluids such as blood, and for rapid infusions, the largest cannulae (14–16 gauge) should be used. Smaller sizes (18–20 gauge) should suffice for crystalloids.
How can extravasation be prevented?
For prevention of extravasation, health professionals should be familiar with the extravasation management standard guidelines. They should regularly check the extravasation kit, assess patients’ sensory changes, tingling or burning, and always pay attention to patients’ words.
What does the NCCN disclaim?
NCCN EXPLICITLY DISCLAIMS THE APPROPRIATENESS OR APPLICABILITY OF THE NCCN CONTENT, THE NCCN GUIDELINES, AND ANY DERIVATIVE RESOURCES, OR THE USE OR APPLICATION OF THE NCCN CONTENT, THE NCCN GUIDELINES OR ANY SUCH DERIVATIVE RESOURCES, TO ANY SPECIFIC PATIENT’S CARE OR TREATMENT.
What is the prevalence of extravasation in the US?
The frequency of extravasation in adults is reported to be between 0.1% and 6%. Some data suggest that the incidence is decreasing probably due to improvements in the infusion procedure, early recognition of the drug leakage, and training in management techniques.
What is included in general knowledge about extravasation?
Herein, general knowledge about extravasation is first described, including its definition, incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and extravasation injuries. Management of extravasation includes nursing intervention and thermal application.