Define IV infiltration and list the initial management steps.

• A. Infiltration is leakage of IV fluids into surrounding tissue; manage by stopping infusion, removing catheter, elevating limb, and applying cold or warm therapy per agent.
• B. Infiltration is infection at the site; treat with antibiotics.
• C. Infiltration is a rapid infusion causing hypervolemia; slow down.
• D. Infiltration is a reaction to medication; stop and monitor.

Answer: (A)

IV infiltration means the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of staying in the vein. This often shows up as swelling, cool or pale skin in the area, and tenderness, and it’s different from an infection or a reaction elsewhere in the body. The first steps are to stop the infusion to prevent more fluid from leaking, then remove the IV catheter. Elevate the limb to reduce swelling, and assess the extent of the infiltration. Apply a cold or warm compress as appropriate for the specific agent being infused (cold for most infiltrations to limit damage, warm if the medication’s guidelines call for it). Document what happened, monitor for progression or tissue damage, and notify the clinician as needed.