For minor infiltrations, no treatment may be required.
For major infiltrations, treatment depends on the osmolarity of the infiltrated drug. For hyperosmolar solutions, heat makes the situation worse. So cold is preferred.
For isotonic or hypotonic solutions, use heat or cold depending upon what makes the patient feel better.
For extravasation, again go by the tonicity of the solution, with 2 exceptions. Vince alkaloids and epipodophylotixins require heat and all others will usually receive cold.
Does anyone have a list of common drugs and their osmolarities. I would like to laminate a list to all units for quick reference ie. Heparin infiltrate use Heat Dialntin use ice etc
Such as list of osmolarities would need to be custom made for your facility. The osmolarity depends upon how the drug is diluted - the specific type and brand of solution used and the quantity. Unfortunately this information can not be found in any place that I know about. Then osmolarity is not the issue for several drugs - pH is the issue. Your message mentioned Dilantin and this has a pH of 11-12. No research has looked at thermal manipulation for pH problems but we do have limited research on healthy volunteers with hyperosmolar solutions. Lynn
For minor infiltrations, no treatment may be required.
For major infiltrations, treatment depends on the osmolarity of the infiltrated drug. For hyperosmolar solutions, heat makes the situation worse. So cold is preferred.
For isotonic or hypotonic solutions, use heat or cold depending upon what makes the patient feel better.
For extravasation, again go by the tonicity of the solution, with 2 exceptions. Vince alkaloids and epipodophylotixins require heat and all others will usually receive cold.
Phlebitis is heat application. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861