Hot pack or Cold pack for CT contrast infiltration?

There is no standard that I can find . . we always applied warm compresses (the patients reported it felt good, and we noted decrease in swelling of the extravasation area after compress application). Other facilities applied cold/ice.

Depends on the amt of extravasation as to what the Radiologist would recommend for f/u; he may have had the pt return the next day so he could assess the area. Large extravasations may require Plastic Surgery consult.

Below are three links that might be helpful to you. Review the literature (what does the American College of Radiologists recommend?), then write your policy. BTW, I did the Google search with the words "contrast extravasation treatment."

http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/reprint/176/1/65

http://www.extravasation.org.uk/Cut.htm

http://www.amershamhealth-us.com/med...avasation.html


Good luck! --- D

Hmmmm, you might try another search . .

I tried to give links to literature, to support evidence-based practice.

My first-hand experience was using warm compresses (preceded by confirmation of a good IV and CAREFUL observation of the site during infusion, so you can halt the injection if you see swelling), thinking the warmth would dilate capillaries = increasing blood flow to the affected area, to aid in absorption of the contrast.

Others I've spoken with advocated cold compresses/ice packs, to decrease inflammation at the site.

I preferred the warm compresses because the pts reported the site felt better and the swelling diminished after 20-30 min of application.

I'm interested to hear any other opinions/experiences, or see any pertinent links.

Not that long ago I was a Radiology Nurse for a while. Our policy was warm compress to site.
You could contact ARNA (American Radiological Nurses Assoc.) and see what their official recommendation is.
www.arna.net

We had a pt this week that had two extravasations back to back. Great 18g in the AC, flushed great. Infiltrated about 10ml. Started a new IV on the other side in the forearm, flushed great. Intiltrated about 5-10m. I had the radioligist come out and have a look. He said her veins just couldn't take it and go ahead and do the study w/o contrast. He said our protocol was heat for 30 minutes then ice and told the patient to keep alternating at home. She came back the next day and no signs of extravasation were present.

I have no idea, just following doctors orders. I'll ask the radiologist and let eveyone know.

Prolly to dilate with the warm, then constrict and decrease inflammation w/the cold ("flush," if you will: increase blood flow, decrease blood flow, w/the alternating hot/colds).

I think you've got it. Thanks dianah.