Extravasation
NCLEX-RN glossary · Pharmacological And Parenteral Therapies
Definition
The unintended leakage of vesicant medications from the intravenous compartment into the surrounding interstitial tissue.
Extravasation in plain English
Unlike simple infiltration, extravasation of vesicants causes severe tissue necrosis and potential permanent loss of limb function. The tempting mistake is failure to stop the infusion immediately at the first sign of site discomfort, redness, or a change in the client's sensation.
Learn these first
Sign up free: all 276 NCLEX-RN terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related NCLEX-RN terms
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ACE/ARB) Surveillance
- Acute kidney injury
- Acute transfusion reaction
- Adverse reaction after first dose
- Allergy versus side effect
- Antidepressant and mood-stabilizer surveillance
- Antimicrobial stewardship and toxicity
- Antipsychotic emergencies
- Antiseizure medication
- Beta blocker or rate-control toxicity
NCLEX-RN practice questions · NCLEX-RN flashcards · NCLEX-RN study guide