Which finding indicates infiltration of IV therapy?

Which finding indicates infiltration of IV therapy?

• A. Redness at the infusion site
• B. Edema at the infusion site
• C. Warmth at the infusion site
• D. Oozing of blood at the infusion site

Answer: (B)

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue because the catheter has shifted or the vein has been damaged. The key sign is edema at the infusion site—the area swells from fluid collecting in the tissue, and the skin around may feel cool and look pale, with the IV flow possibly slowing or stopping. Redness and warmth point more toward vein inflammation or infection (phlebitis), not leakage into tissue. Oozing blood would indicate vessel injury with bleeding rather than fluid infiltrating the tissue. So edema at the infusion site best indicates infiltration.

Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue because the catheter has shifted or the vein has been damaged. The key sign is edema at the infusion site—the area swells from fluid collecting in the tissue, and the skin around may feel cool and look pale, with the IV flow possibly slowing or stopping. Redness and warmth point more toward vein inflammation or infection (phlebitis), not leakage into tissue. Oozing blood would indicate vessel injury with bleeding rather than fluid infiltrating the tissue. So edema at the infusion site best indicates infiltration.