IV therapy is a routine but high-risk medical procedure in hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout Florida. When intravenous (IV) fluids or medications mistakenly leak into surrounding tissues, it can result in IV infiltration or extravasation, causing pain, swelling, nerve damage, compartment syndrome, or tissue necrosis. These injuries are often preventable, and when caused by negligent nursing care or hospital oversight, they may lead to valid medical malpractice claims under Florida law.
Understanding IV Infiltration and Its Legal Risk
IV infiltration involves non-vesicant fluid unintentionally entering the surrounding tissue, while extravasation refers to the leakage of vesicant (tissue-damaging) substances. In severe cases, these incidents can result in permanent injury, including nerve impairment or the need for surgical intervention. In Florida, medical providers—including hospitals and nurses—can be held liable if their substandard care directly causes such injuries.
To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers must implement evidence-based practices and fulfill their duty of care. Below are key strategies hospitals and nurses should employ to prevent IV infiltration injuries and minimize potential legal exposure.
1. Strict Adherence to IV Insertion and Site Monitoring Protocols
Proper site selection, vein assessment, and use of the appropriate catheter size are critical to reducing infiltration risk. Nurses should:
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Choose appropriate sites based on patient age, vein condition, and therapy type
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Securely anchor the IV catheter to prevent movement
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Routinely monitor IV sites for early signs of infiltration (e.g., redness, swelling, coolness, or pain)
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Document site checks at regular intervals as per hospital policy
Failure to follow these basic standards can be construed as nursing negligence, particularly if early warning signs are ignored or undocumented.
2. Use of Advanced Technology and IV Pumps with Alarms
Infusion pumps with pressure sensors and occlusion alarms can help detect infiltration early. Florida hospitals should:
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Equip facilities with smart IV pumps
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Train staff on the interpretation and timely response to alarm alerts
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Integrate electronic monitoring into standard nursing workflow
Implementing such technology aligns with the prevailing professional standard of care under Florida Statutes § 766.102.
3. Proper Staff Training and Competency Assessments
Hospitals must ensure that all personnel responsible for IV therapy are properly trained and demonstrate ongoing competency. This includes:
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Comprehensive orientation for new nursing staff
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Regular competency evaluations
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Continuing education on IV therapy techniques and complications
Hospitals that fail to train and supervise their staff appropriately may face vicarious liability for IV infiltration injuries caused by nurse error.
4. Clear Chain of Command for Escalating Concerns
If a nurse suspects infiltration or extravasation, immediate intervention is crucial. Hospitals should maintain clear policies requiring:
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Prompt notification of the attending physician
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Suspension of IV administration upon suspicion of infiltration
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Implementation of treatment protocols, including cold/warm compresses, elevation, or antidotes (e.g., hyaluronidase)
Delays in intervention can result in serious patient harm and expose providers to liability for failure to treat or refer in a timely manner.
5. Patient and Family Education
Patients should be encouraged to report pain or changes at the IV site. Nurses should:
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Explain warning signs to patients and caregivers
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Document all patient instructions and education
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Reassess understanding, especially in pediatric or elderly patients
Inadequate communication can result in preventable harm and may be cited as a breach of the informed consent process in litigation.
Final Thoughts
IV infiltration injuries are often preventable when nurses and hospitals adhere to best practices, provide proper training, and maintain vigilant monitoring. In Florida, when healthcare providers deviate from the accepted standard of care, and that deviation causes injury, they may be held accountable under the state’s medical malpractice laws.
Hospitals and medical professionals must remain proactive—not only to improve patient safety but also to reduce the risk of costly litigation. By implementing comprehensive prevention protocols, Florida healthcare providers can fulfill their legal and ethical duties while safeguarding patient outcomes.
If you or a loved one suffered injury from an IV infiltration or extravasation incident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Consult with a qualified Florida medical malpractice attorney to explore your legal options.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of an IV infiltration or extravasation? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
