A vesicant is a medication or solution that is capable of causing tissue injury when that substance is inadvertently delivered outside of the venous pathway (ie.
extravasation).
The severity of patient injury from an extravasation is dependent on multiple factors, such as the route of delivery, the mechanism of action and concentration of the vesicant, patient characteristics, and the amount of vesicant that escapes the venous pathway.
In the oncology setting, antineoplastic vesicants and their treatments are well documented.
Non-antineoplastic vesicants, however, are much more diverse in mechanism of action, administered in a variety of clinical settings, and are often delivered emergently via peripheral intravenous devices.
These factors increase the risk of patient harm and require proactive management to enhance patient safety.
This presentation will provide guidance on utilization of the updated 2024 Infusion Nurses Society Evidence-based Non-Antineoplastic Vesicant list relating how vesicant resources are intended to help improve patient outcomes.
Objectives:
- Describe the characteristics of non-antineoplastic vesicants that may cause tissue injury
- Describe at least three preventative interventions to reduce extravasation risk
- Relate how vesicant resources can be utilized to improve patient outcomes
