Which finding most strongly indicates an IV flow problem due to infiltration?

Which finding most strongly indicates an IV flow problem due to infiltration?

• A. Swelling at the insertion site
• B. Blood backflow into IV bag
• C. Flow resumes immediately after adjustment
• D. Rapid, unobstructed flow of fluid

Answer: (C)

Infiltration means the IV catheter tip is no longer in the vein, so IV fluids leak into surrounding tissue and flow can be compromised. The strongest indicator in this scenario is when flow resumes immediately after you adjust or reposition the line. That quick return to normal flow shows the catheter briefly lost intravascular position and then re-entered the vein, pinpointing that the issue was the catheter’s position (infiltration) rather than a fixed blockage or a problem elsewhere. Swelling at the insertion site can occur with infiltration, but it isn’t as immediate or definitive a sign of the flow problem itself. Blood backflow into the IV bag and rapid, unobstructed flow don’t specifically point to infiltration. If infiltration is suspected, stop the infusion, assess the site, and reposition or replace the line as needed.

Infiltration means the IV catheter tip is no longer in the vein, so IV fluids leak into surrounding tissue and flow can be compromised. The strongest indicator in this scenario is when flow resumes immediately after you adjust or reposition the line. That quick return to normal flow shows the catheter briefly lost intravascular position and then re-entered the vein, pinpointing that the issue was the catheter’s position (infiltration) rather than a fixed blockage or a problem elsewhere. Swelling at the insertion site can occur with infiltration, but it isn’t as immediate or definitive a sign of the flow problem itself. Blood backflow into the IV bag and rapid, unobstructed flow don’t specifically point to infiltration. If infiltration is suspected, stop the infusion, assess the site, and reposition or replace the line as needed.