Why is venous infiltration regarded as the most severe form of infiltration?

Venous infiltration is considered the most severe form of infiltration primarily because it entails significant complications due to the nature of blood flow within the venous system. The correct answer highlights that blood is actively pushed through veins, which can lead to serious implications when infiltration occurs.

When an infiltrate happens in a venous context, it means that the intravenous fluid or medication being administered has inadvertently entered the surrounding tissue rather than being delivered directly into the bloodstream. Since blood within veins is under a relatively lower pressure compared to arteries, any infiltration can disrupt normal venous function and potentially lead to tissue damage or more severe systemic complications. When blood is pushed through the veins, any disruption or blockage can have immediate effects on circulation, including risks of thrombosis or other complications.

Additionally, because venous infiltration can disturb not just local circulation but also trigger systemic reactions, it is more concerning than other forms of infiltration related to arterial flow, which tend to present differently. Understanding the dynamics of venous blood flow and why infiltration is critical highlights the potential risks and the necessity for awareness and prevention strategies in clinical practices.