What does extravasation refer to in chemotherapy administration?

Extravasation in the context of chemotherapy administration specifically refers to the accidental leakage of medication from a blood vessel into the surrounding tissue. This situation can occur when a catheter or intravenous line is mispositioned, damaged, or when it fails to remain in the vein while administering drugs.

This leakage can lead to serious complications, including pain, swelling, and tissue damage, depending on the type and volume of the drug involved. Recognizing and responding to extravasation quickly is essential to minimize potential harm to the patient.

The other choices do not accurately describe extravasation. The successful delivery of medication into the bloodstream is indicative of proper IV administration, while a required pause in treatment for patient assessment does not relate to the physical handling of Chemotherapy drugs. Lastly, injecting medication into muscle instead of a vein pertains to a different type of administration error and not to extravasation.