What is a potential complication of a poorly secured IV catheter?

A potential complication of a poorly secured IV catheter is catheter displacement leading to infiltration. When the IV catheter is not adequately secured, it may move out of the intended vein, which can result in the catheter tip being positioned outside the vein. This displacement can cause the intravenous fluid or medication to leak into the surrounding tissues, a condition known as infiltration. Infiltration can lead to pain, swelling, and damage to the tissue, highlighting the importance of securing the catheter properly to maintain its position and minimize complications.

The other choices present valid concerns but are not direct complications of a poorly secured IV catheter. Cosmetic scarring may occur due to various factors during IV insertion or removal, but it is not specifically related to catheter security. Hematoma formation can happen if there is bleeding at the insertion site, which may be affected by other factors such as patient blood clotting abilities or improper insertion techniques, rather than just the security of the catheter. Medication interactions are unrelated to catheter security; they involve the compatibility of medications and do not pertain to the physical placement of the catheter.