What does an interstitial IV site look like?

What does an interstitial IV site look like?

• A. IV site is warm and red
• B. IV site is cool, swollen and firm to touch
• C. IV site is dry and scaly
• D. IV site is pale and sunken

Answer: (B)

Recognizing signs of IV infiltration is essential. When fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, the area around the IV becomes cool to the touch, swells, and the tissue feels firm. This cool, swollen, and firm presentation is the classic sign of an interstitial IV site problem. Warmth and redness around an IV typically point to phlebitis or infection rather than infiltration. A dry, scaly appearance doesn’t fit infiltration, and pale, sunken skin isn’t characteristic of this issue. If infiltration is suspected, stop the infusion and remove the cannula, then assess and manage the affected limb as appropriate.

Recognizing signs of IV infiltration is essential. When fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, the area around the IV becomes cool to the touch, swells, and the tissue feels firm. This cool, swollen, and firm presentation is the classic sign of an interstitial IV site problem.

Warmth and redness around an IV typically point to phlebitis or infection rather than infiltration. A dry, scaly appearance doesn’t fit infiltration, and pale, sunken skin isn’t characteristic of this issue.

If infiltration is suspected, stop the infusion and remove the cannula, then assess and manage the affected limb as appropriate.