The term for medication or contrast medium leaked from a vein is called what?

• A. Infiltration
• B. Extravasation
• C. Absorption
• D. Diffusion

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to medication or contrast medium leaking from a vein is extravasation. This occurs when the substance intended to enter the bloodstream inadvertently escapes into the surrounding tissue. Extravasation can lead to complications, including swelling and even tissue damage, depending on the type and volume of the substance that has leaked.

In clinical practice, recognizing extravasation is important for timely intervention to prevent further complications. While infiltration is a similar term that also refers to the unintended leakage of fluid, it usually implies a less serious condition where non-vesicant intravenous fluids escape into the surrounding tissue without causing significant harm. The other options, absorption and diffusion, describe different processes unrelated to intravenous therapy and do not pertain to the leakage of substances from veins.