014. Extravasation of cytotoxic agents

Background: The leakage of a cytotoxic agent from the vein to the tissue is called an extravasation. It can cause extensive and long- time to cure damage.

Objective: It is very important that extravasation is recognized, diagnosed and treated early. This requires adequate clinical data and experienced nurses. The quality of nursing assessment during administration plays an important role in minimizing the likelihood and severity of extravasation of irritating agents, as the delay in recognition, increases the risk of tissue destruction and necrosis.

Methods: This presentation is based on relevant bibliography and resent reviews, as well as on the international guidelines (EONS) on extravasation management.

Results: The description of the extravasation as a serious adverse event during chemotherapy infusion and its consequences to the patient outcome and his quality of life. Oncology nurses do have a key-role in preventing, as well as in managing extravasation that may occur to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Nurses trained in handling chemotherapy drugs has, a great impact in the quality of the care provided to the patient and his safety.

Conclusions: Every Oncology Nurse should: (I) be aware of the cytotoxic drugs and the possible hazards for the patient; (II) be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the cytotoxic drugs’ extravasation; (III) managing extravasation according to the guidelines; (IV) to inform the patient and teach him how to recognize the signs and report them immediately; (V) be trained and experienced in order to manage efficiently the extravasation of the chemotherapy drugs; (VI) to provide safety to the cancer patient, treating him in a well- organized day unit.

Keywords: Chemotherapy agents; cisplatin; taxanes; carboplatin