What is a sign of infiltration at an IV site?

Swelling is a key sign of infiltration at an IV site. Infiltration occurs when the intravenous fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of being delivered directly into the bloodstream. This leakage leads to an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space, causing the area around the IV insertion site to become swollen.

While other signs such as redness, pain, and warmth might occur in different situations, they are not definitive indicators of infiltration. Redness can indicate infection or phlebitis rather than infiltration. Pain at the insertion site may also be a result of other complications, such as irritation or infection. Warmth in the surrounding area could be associated with inflammation or infection, but again, this is not specific to infiltration. Hence, the presence of swelling is the most indicative sign that infiltration has occurred.