Which finding would most strongly suggest IV infiltration at the vascular access site?

• A. Pain at the access site with cool skin around the area
• B. Pain at the access site with warm skin around the area
• C. No pain or changes in skin
• D. Swelling with redness at the site but warmth

Answer: (A)

Recognize that IV infiltration happens when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. The leaked fluid distends the tissue and cools what’s around the cannulation site, because the tissue loses perfusion and the fluid is often cooler than body temperature. That combination—pain at the access site with cool, around-skin changes—best signals infiltration.

In contrast, warmth and redness around the site point more toward inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) or infection, not infiltration. No pain or no skin changes would make infiltration less likely, and swelling alone can occur with various issues, so the cool skin accompanying pain is the most telling sign of IV infiltration.