What might cause a hematoma during IV therapy?

What might cause a hematoma during IV therapy?

• A. Incorrect IV fluid type
• B. Multiple IV starts or attempts
• C. Under-infusion of fluids
• D. Excessive heparin use

Answer: (B)

A hematoma during IV therapy is primarily caused by the accumulation of blood outside of the blood vessels, typically due to damage to a vein or blood vessel during the insertion or manipulation of the IV catheter. Multiple attempts to establish an IV can lead to this issue because each unsuccessful attempt can cause trauma to the affected area. As the needle punctures the skin and vein multiple times, the likelihood of damaging surrounding tissues and blood vessels increases, resulting in the formation of a hematoma. In this context, incorrect IV fluid type and under-infusion of fluids do not directly lead to hematoma formation; rather, they relate to the overall efficacy and safety of the IV therapy. Excessive heparin use is associated more with bleeding complications rather than localized hematoma formation due to vascular trauma. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that multiple insertion attempts are a significant risk factor for developing a hematoma.

A hematoma during IV therapy is primarily caused by the accumulation of blood outside of the blood vessels, typically due to damage to a vein or blood vessel during the insertion or manipulation of the IV catheter. Multiple attempts to establish an IV can lead to this issue because each unsuccessful attempt can cause trauma to the affected area. As the needle punctures the skin and vein multiple times, the likelihood of damaging surrounding tissues and blood vessels increases, resulting in the formation of a hematoma.

In this context, incorrect IV fluid type and under-infusion of fluids do not directly lead to hematoma formation; rather, they relate to the overall efficacy and safety of the IV therapy. Excessive heparin use is associated more with bleeding complications rather than localized hematoma formation due to vascular trauma. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes that multiple insertion attempts are a significant risk factor for developing a hematoma.