The leaking of caustic fluid into the tissues around an IV site is known as which of the following?

The leaking of caustic fluid into the tissues surrounding an IV site is termed extravasation. This condition occurs when medications or fluids that are intended to enter the bloodstream accidentally seep into the surrounding tissues instead. The fluid that escapes can cause inflammation, damage, or even tissue necrosis, especially if the substance is caustic.

Extravasation is particularly concerning in vascular interventions because it can occur with intravenous medications that may be irritating to the surrounding tissue. This risk is heightened with chemotherapeutic agents or certain pain medications. Recognizing the signs of extravasation is crucial for prompt intervention to minimize damage.

Infiltration, while it may seem similar, typically refers to the unintentional infusion of non-irritating fluids into surrounding tissue, which does not carry the same level of risk as extravasation. Extroversion and thrombosis do not relate to the leakage of fluids around IV sites; extroversion is not applicable in this context, and thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a vessel.