Question

In the event of the extravasation of an irritant, after the removal of the IV, which action does the nurse perform next?

A. Restart an IV in a smaller vein.

B. Discontinue treatment indefinitely.

C. Massage affected site vigorously.

D. Apply warm compresses to affected site.

Answer 1

D. Apply warm compress to affected site

Rationale:

Applying warm compress to the affected site can reduce irritation and swelling by increasing vasodilation and reabsorbtion of solution

Option A cannot be applied because IV infusion restart at small veins should be avoided in patients with extravasation

Option B cannot be applied because the IV treatment can be continued from choosing other site, the treatment need not to be discontinued

Option C is not suitable because massaging vigorously at extravasation site can damage the area.