Necrosis caused by Administration site extravasation
What is Necrosis Caused by Administration Site Extravasation?
Administration site extravasation is a medical condition in which an intravenous (IV) fluid administered into the bloodstream leaks from a vein or artery and into surrounding tissue. This leakage of fluids can cause inflammation, irritation, and even death of the surrounding tissue, known as necrosis.
Extravasation can occur for a variety of reasons, such as an incorrect needle placement or an incorrect administration rate. In addition, drugs that are irritating and toxic can cause tissue damage if they leak out of the intravenous line. When this happens, it is paramount that the extravasation is addressed as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms of Necrosis
Signs and symptoms of necrosis due to administration site extravasation include:
- Redness and swelling at the site
- Pain at the site
- A tingling sensation in the affected area
- Blistering of the skin
- Sensation of heat
- The area may become hard and tight
- The skin may look darker than normal
Severe cases of necrosis may require surgery to remove the damaged tissue. In certain cases, the affected limb may need to be amputated.
Treatment and Prevention of Necrosis
If necrosis is suspected due to extravasation, it is important to discontinue the IV infusion and remove the catheter as soon as possible. The affected area should then be cleaned with water and covered with a non-adhesive dressing. NSAIDs and topical anesthetics may be used for pain relief.
To prevent necrosis due to extravasation, it is important for healthcare providers to assess for signs of infiltration during every nursing shift. If infiltration is suspected, the IV line should be stopped immediately and the catheter should be secured or removed as soon as possible.
In addition, the nurses should be familiar with the drugs that produce toxic effects in case of extravasation and take precautionary measures to minimize any potential risks. It is also important to check the patency of IV lines frequently to prevent clogging or kinking of the IV tubing.