Which statement best describes what a vesicant is?

• A. The term vesicant is used when referring to antineoplastic agents
• B. A vesicant commonly results in erythema along the path of the vein
• C. A vesicant has the potential to cause tissue destruction
• D. A vesicant cannot be given by IV infusion

Answer: (C)

Vesicants are drugs that have the potential to cause tissue destruction if they escape from the vein into surrounding tissues. This is the defining risk: extravasation can lead to blistering, deep tissue injury, and possible necrosis, requiring prompt management.

Many vesicants are used in chemotherapy, but the key idea is the potential for tissue damage, not simply being an antineoplastic agent. Saying a vesicant commonly causes erythema along the vein describes minor irritation or phlebitis, which is not the severe, tissue-destructive danger vesicants can pose. And vesicants can be given by IV infusion under strict precautions; the concern is preventing and managing extravasation, not excluding IV administration.