Which action is NOT an immediate intervention for doxorubicin extravasation?

• A. Stop the infusion, leave the needle in place, aspirate as much drug as possible, remove the needle, notify oncology
• B. Stop the infusion, treat the site, notify oncology
• C. Increase the infusion rate to dilute the drug
• D. Remove the needle after aspiration

Answer: (C)

Exposure to a vesicant like doxorubicin requires rapid actions that limit local tissue exposure and prevent further spread. The priority is to stop the infusion, remove as much drug from the tissue as possible, and then proceed with site care and oncology involvement. Stopping the infusion, keeping the needle in place to aspirate as much drug as possible, and removing the needle after aspiration all fit this approach. Notifying oncology ensures antidote options (for example, dexrazoxane) and next steps can be arranged promptly. Treating the site and continuing appropriate measures are also part of immediate management.

Increasing the infusion rate works against these goals. Pushing more drug into the tissue would worsen injury, so it is not an appropriate immediate intervention.