Chemotherapy extravasation
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
The unintended leakage of vesicant chemotherapy agents from the vascular system into the surrounding tissue.
Chemotherapy extravasation in plain English
This is a clinical emergency that requires stopping the infusion immediately to prevent severe tissue necrosis and permanent damage. A frequent error is continuing a vesicant infusion because a blood return is present despite the client reporting pain or burning at the site.
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