Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What is a common risk factor for extravasation during venipuncture?

1. Use of large veins

2. Presence of peripheral neuropathy

3. Increased blood flow

4. Hydration with D5W

The correct answer is: Presence of peripheral neuropathy

A common risk factor for extravasation during venipuncture is the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to decreased sensation and altered proprioception in the affected limb, which may prevent the individual from accurately sensing pain or discomfort during venipuncture. This lack of feedback can make it difficult to recognize when a catheter is not properly positioned within the vein, increasing the risk that a potential extravasation event will go unnoticed. Additionally, individuals with peripheral neuropathy may have weakening of the vein walls or altered vascular integrity, further contributing to the likelihood of extravasation. This is pertinent in oncology settings where certain chemotherapeutic agents may be more likely to cause damage if they leak out of the vessel and into surrounding tissue. Other factors, such as using large veins or hydration with D5W, do not directly correlate with or heighten the risk for extravasation in the same manner as peripheral neuropathy does. Increased blood flow might also not directly influence the extravasation incidence significantly, as how well the vein and catheter are functioning is more critical than just the speed of the blood flow. Thus, understanding the complexities of patient conditions like peripheral neuropathy is essential in preventing complications like extravasation during venipunct