Which is a sign of venous irritation during vesicant extravasation?

• A. Aching and tightness along a vein with redness or darkening
• B. Fever and Rash
• C. Numbness Only
• D. Itching Only

Answer: (A)

The main sign of venous irritation from vesicant extravasation is localized discomfort along the path of the vein, often described as aching and tightness with redness or darkening along the vein. This pattern shows inflammation and irritation of the vein itself where the IV sits and the drug has leaked into surrounding tissue. Fever and rash imply a systemic or allergic reaction rather than localized venous irritation. Numbness or itching alone don’t specifically reflect irritation of the vein from an extravasated vesicant. So the combination of aching, tightness, and visible color change along the vein best indicates venous irritation in this context.