What is 'tissue infiltration' in the context of IV therapy?

'Tissue infiltration' in the context of intravenous (IV) therapy refers to the scenario where IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues rather than being properly infused into the vein. This typically occurs when the IV catheter becomes dislodged or when there is damage to the blood vessel, causing the fluid to move into the interstitial spaces instead of remaining within the vascular system.

When infiltration happens, the affected area may swell, become cool to the touch, and present discomfort or pain to the patient. Prompt recognition and management of infiltration are crucial to minimize any potential tissue damage and discomfort. Addressing this issue involves stopping the infusion, removing the IV catheter, and applying appropriate interventions to support the healing of the affected tissue.

On the other hand, correct placement of IV fluid in the vein ensures that the fluid remains within the vascular system, and infection at the injection site pertains to complications like local or systemic infections, while the formation of a blood clot in the vein involves thrombosis, which is a separate complication not directly related to the definition of infiltration. Understanding tissue infiltration is so critical to maintaining patient safety and effective IV therapy.