Preventing and managing vesicant chemotherapy extravasations

Abstract

Although vesicant chemotherapy extravasations cannot be entirely prevented, the risk of extravasation can be reduced by adhering to guidelines for safe vesicant administration. These include engaging patients in extravasation-prevention efforts, thoroughly assessing patients receiving vesicants, selecting an appropriate administration site for peripheral vesicant administration, and checking for a blood return prior to and during vesicant administration. In addition, whenever an extravasation occurs or is suspected, vesicant administration must immediately cease, and the appropriate antidote or treatment needs to be promptly administered.