Why is venous infiltration particularly problematic?

Venous infiltration is particularly problematic because it involves the leakage of intravenous (IV) fluids or medications into the surrounding tissue instead of into the bloodstream. This condition can cause a variety of complications including swelling, pain, and potential tissue damage. When blood or fluids push out of the vessel and into the surrounding tissues, it can disrupt the normal function and integrity of those tissues, leading to complications such as skin breakdown or necrosis in severe cases.

Additionally, the infiltration can hinder proper delivery of medications and fluids, complicating patient treatment. Therefore, the focus on the consequence of pushing blood into surrounding tissues highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent need for careful monitoring and management when administering IV therapy.