A patient is receiving an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s solution and 40 mEq of KCl at 100 mL/hr. When assessing the IV site,
the nurse notes swelling, erythema, and warmth. There is a palpable cord along the vein, and the infusion is sluggish. The patient is complaining of pain at the site. The nurse would recognize these findings to be consistent with which of the following?infiltration extravasation
hematoma
phlebitis
Extravasation refers to the leaking of a fluid from a blood vessel of a container.
Infiltration refers to the accumulation of a substance in quantities above the normal.
Hematoma is basically a bruise in the skin .
Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein, its symptoms are pain and redness along the vein. Usually the spot where the inflammation is tends to be warmth. There are palpable cords along the course of the vein that can be a sign of a superficial clot or superficial thrombophlebitis.
The symptoms of this patient are consistent with phlebitis due to the infusion.
Damaged skin will take some time before fully releasing from the body. This is one of the ways the body protects the skin beneath. It is best to take cooler showers, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain a stable environment (outside of the sun)
