The nurse is administering a vesicant chemotherapeutic medication intravenously. The nurse should take immediate action if which of the following develops?

Explanation

• A vesicant is an agent that causes tissue irritation and possible tissue necrosis. Signs of extravasation (pain around infusion site) should be taken seriously because of the risk of tissue necrosis.

• If a vesicant agent infiltrates at an I.V. site, discontinue the I.V. immediately and remove the catheter. Get an order to place an ice pack on the site for 15 minutes, repeating this each hour for four hours.

• Incorrect: Rash, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth are all common side effects of chemotherapy and are not life-threatening.

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