Infiltrations/ Extravasations
The guidelines for extravasation delineate the following steps: 1) the infusion should be stopped immediately, the line should not be flushed, and pressure should not be applied to the site; 2) the extremity should be elevated; 3) the IV needle should NOT be removed immediately (it should be left in place and an attempt made to aspirate fluid from the extravasated area); and, 4) ice or cold packs should be applied topically (for most agents).
Infiltrations/extravasations medical expert witness specialties include hospitalist medicine, neonatology, critical care medicine, plastic surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, and oncology.