Which IV complication can be caused by sodium bicarbonate and phenergan?

• A. Air Embolism
• B. Extravasation
• C. Phlebitis
• D. Infiltration

Answer: (B)

Extravasation is the leaking of IV medication into the surrounding tissue, which can cause tissue injury when the drug is a vesicant or a strong irritant. Sodium bicarbonate and promethazine (Phenergan) are known to be caustic to tissues if they escape from the vein, so when their IV line infiltrates or dislodges, the surrounding tissue can be damaged, leading to necrosis or severe local injury. That makes extravasation the most fitting complication to associate with these drugs.

Air embolism involves air entering the IV system and obstructing circulation, which isn’t specifically tied to these medications. Infiltration refers to leakage of nonvesicant IV fluids causing edema but not typically tissue destruction. Phlebitis is vein inflammation from irritation, which can occur but doesn’t capture the tissue-damaging potential that extravasation presents with these particular agents.