IV Infiltrates, Iodine Pushed

[txemt]

One thing I think no one asked was the size of your IV. I know the radiology folks at my hospital like a 22 or bigger (since we're a peds hospital) having said that I have seen IV contrast pushed thorugh a Iv started in the thumb when that was our only access. I'm not sure about the consequences of the contrast but our hospital says all infiltrates must be reported. So in the end it would be the nurse who would be at fault since how you are under their supervision.

[chbare]

One thing I think no one asked was the size of your IV. I know the radiology folks at my hospital like a 22 or bigger (since we're a peds hospital) having said that I have seen IV contrast pushed thorugh a Iv started in the thumb when that was our only access. I'm not sure about the consequences of the contrast but our hospital says all infiltrates must be reported. So in the end it would be the nurse who would be at fault since how you are under their supervision.

The typical consequences are comparable to infiltration of isotonic fluids. Local swelling and irritation are common findings. IV contrast media is not typically or particularly associated with causing tissue necrosis.

Just a point of contention for other posters. IV contrast is not dye. Contrast does not "dye" or stain tissue like the well known dye flouresine. Contrast media simply acts as contrast for some of our imaging studies to improve visibility of the target area studied. Nit picking perhaps; however, I like to set the record straight on this one.

Take care,

chbare.

Edited July 21, 2009 by chbare