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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Infiltration and Extravasation?

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Infiltration and extravasation are both complications that can occur during intravenous (IV) therapy, but they involve different types of fluids or medications and have distinct consequences:

  • Infiltration: This refers to the accidental leakage of non-irritating fluids or medications into the tissue surrounding the IV catheter. Infiltration does not cause significant tissue damage and typically results from issues such as clogged catheters or dislodged IVs.
  • Extravasation: This occurs when a vesicant or irritant medication leaks into the tissue surrounding the IV catheter, causing tissue damage. Extravasation can lead to complications such as tissue sloughing, pain, loss of mobility in the affected extremity, and infection.

Symptoms of both infiltration and extravasation can include redness around the site, swelling, puffy or hard skin, blanching, pain or tenderness, IV not working, and cool skin temperature around the site. The treatment for each condition depends on the severity and extent of the injury, as well as the specific medication involved. To minimize the risk of these complications, healthcare providers should take preventive measures such as selecting appropriate venous access devices and monitoring the IV site regularly.

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  • What is the Difference Between Infiltration and Extravasation?
  • Comparative Table: Infiltration vs Extravasation

    • Comparative Table: Infiltration vs Extravasation

    The main difference between infiltration and extravasation lies in the type of fluid or medication that leaks into the tissue surrounding a vein and the resulting effects on the tissue. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

    Feature Infiltration Extravasation
    Definition Infiltration describes the occurrence of non-vesicant medicine or fluid leakage into the tissue surrounding a vein without irritating the affected tissue. Extravasation occurs when a vesicant or chemotherapeutic drug leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing irritation and potential tissue damage.
    Type of Fluid Involves non-vesicant drugs or solutions, which do not cause tissue injury when they extravasate. Involves vesicant solutions, which can cause tissue destruction, blisters, or necrosis if they extravasate.
    Symptoms Common signs include inflammation, swelling, and pain around the IV site. Symptoms are similar to infiltration but may also include tissue sloughing, loss of mobility in the extremity, and infection.
    Treatment If infiltration is severe, apply warm compresses, elevate the arm, monitor the site, and inform the healthcare provider. Treatment varies depending on the antidote for the infiltrated medication and may include applying warm compresses, elevating the arm, monitoring the site, and informing the healthcare provider.

    Both infiltration and extravasation can be mitigated by following proper IV therapy procedures and regularly assessing the IV site.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.