Nurses' Knowledge of Cytotoxic Drug Extravasation Management in the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department at National Cancer Institute, Malaysia [Institut Kanser Negara (IKN)]
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63719/johm.v23i1.245Keywords:
cytotoxic drug extravasation, extravasation management, oncology nursing, chemotherapy complications, nursing knowledge assessmentAbstract
Background: Extravasation is a serious complication of intravenous therapy, particularly during the administration of cytotoxic drugs, where vesicant agents leak into surrounding tissues and may cause pain, swelling, ulceration, or even tissue necrosis. It is regarded as a medical emergency requiring prompt and systemic management to minimise harm. This study aims to describe nurses’ knowledge of cytotoxic extravasation management and its associated factors, including demographic characteristics (age, gender), professional background (years of clinical experience, oncology specialisation, level of education), and exposure to chemotherapy administration.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses in the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department at National Cancer Institute (Institut Kanser Negara, IKN), Malaysia. Data were collected over a four-month period, from February to May 2025. A validated questionnaire consisting of 11 items was used to assess nurses’ knowledge of cytotoxic drug extravasation management. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 29, with descriptive statistics applied to summarise demographic characteristics and inferential tests used to explore associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables.
Results: The findings revealed that 75% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge of cytotoxic drug extravasation management, while only 25% achieved good knowledge. Overall, no significant associations were observed between most demographic characteristics and knowledge (p = 0.01), suggesting that certain demographic factors may influence specific knowledge domains among nurses.
Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial knowledge gap among oncology nurses regarding cytotoxic drug extravasation management. The results emphasise the need for comprehensive education and structured training programmes to enhance nurses’ preparedness in handling cytotoxic agents. Strengthening knowledge, particularly in emergency management protocols, is essential to ensure early, safe, and effective intervention in oncology care, thereby improving patient outcomes and professional nursing practice.
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