Incidence of chemotherapy extravasation
Abstract:
Background: The administration of chemotherapy is a high-risk and nurse-sensitive practice. One complication is extravasation.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and iatrogenic factors associated with extravasation in the ambulatory and inpatient settings of a community cancer center.
Methods: Events were reviewed by agent, route of administration, patient characteristics, and RNs administering the agent. A one-year, retrospective review of electronic health records and pharmacy and nursing reports was conducted.
Findings: The number of vesicants, irritants, and irritants with vesicant properties administered was 12,260 in the ambulatory setting and 612 on the inpatient unit, with 21 and 1 extravasation events, respectively. Incidence rates for both settings were 0.001%. The most common agent to extravasate was docetaxel, and all events occurred via peripheral route. The incidence of events was lower than the reported benchmark for National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers.
Reference:
Ehmke N. Chemotherapy Extravasation: Incidence of and Factors Associated With Events in a Community Cancer Center. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2021 Dec 1;25(6):680-686. doi: 10.1188/21.CJON.680-686. PMID: 34800094.