extravasation /ikstrav′əsā″shən/ [L, extra + vas, vessel] , 1. a passage or escape into the tissues, usually of blood, serum, lymph, or infusion. Compare bleeding. 2. passage or escape into tissue of antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drugs. Signs and symptoms may be sudden onset of localized pain at an injection site, sudden redness or extreme pallor at an injection site, or loss of blood return in an IV needle. Tissue slough and necrosis may occur if the condition is severe. Treatment depends on the causative agent. Nursing responsibilities include maintaining the patient IV line, elevating the affected area, applying ice packs, and notifying the physician of the need for antidote injections, if applicable. See also exudate, transudate. −extravasate, v.
