Basic Peripheral IV Therapy in Adults; Current Standards of Practice
An online continuing education course for nurses, medical health care professionals, and other interested individuals.
This course has been designed to provide basic conceptual and operational knowledge to nurses and nursing assistive personnel who have had limited exposure to infusion therapy principals and practice.
As the science of infusion therapy advances and technology expands, it is imperative that all healthcare clinicians and nurses practicing infusion therapy remain current in their knowledge of infusion therapies, principles, techniques, equipment and the latest in infusion evidence based practices.
The Infusion Nurses Society (INS), recognized as the global authority in infusion nursing, released in 2011 the updated Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice. The INS sets the accepted standards for infusion nursing practice for all healthcare settings. This course is based on the current best practices as defined by the Infusion Nursing Society.
Many governing boards require nurses and nursing assistive personnel to have additional infusion therapy education after licensure. These requirements vary by state and governing board. To view each states Board of Nursing you may reference the resources section of the website or click here. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the nurse’s employer, facility or institution. The number of times a procedure must be repeated to demonstrate competency will be determined by the employer. Pedagogy has developed skills competency checklists for all infusion related procedures and is available in the course.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
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List specific measures that will protect against malpractice suits
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Describe the differences in a vein and artery
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List the veins used to deliver peripheral IV therapy in adults and older adults
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State the signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of nerve damage related to IV therapy
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Describe the signs, symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of hyper/hypovolemia
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State the causes and treatments of electrolyte imbalances
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Describe how each solution: isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic, effects the recipient
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Identify methods of fluid regulation
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List external factors that can influence the rate of flow
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Demonstrate the correct calculation of an IV flow rate
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Identify methods of infection control related to IV therapy
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State the appropriate peripheral device for the therapy ordered
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List the 3 types of peripheral devices
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List the veins to avoid for peripheral access in the adult and older adult
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Identify complications of IV therapy; it’s cause, prevention and treatment
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List the components of accurate and complete documentation of IV procedures and complications
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List the complete assessment criteria for: IV therapy in general, hydration and antibiotic therapies
Curriculum
Chapter 1
Legal Issues
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Regulatory Agencies and Governing Bodies
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Components of a Complete Physicians Order
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Legal Terms and Applications in Nursing
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Protective Measures for Guarding against Malpractice Lawsuits
Chapter 2
Anatomy and Physiology
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The Vascular System: Veins, Arteries and Bone Marrow
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The Three Layers of the Vessels and Their Function
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Differentiating Arteries from Veins
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Veins used in Peripheral Intravenous Therapy
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Nerves—Avoiding Damage
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Skin-- Anatomy and Physiology
Chapter 3
Psychological Needs of the IV Patient
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Elderly Patient Needs
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Cultural Aspects
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Patients with Sensory Deficits
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Methods of Reducing Patient Anxiety
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Patient Teaching/Education
Chapter 4
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
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Water: The Primary Fluid of the Body
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Hypovolemia—Dehydration: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
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Hypervolemia—Fluid Overload: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
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Fluid Compartments
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Electrolyte Imbalances: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
Chapter 5
pH, Osmolality and Incompatibilities of Solutions and Medications
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pH of Intravenous Solutions and Medications
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Tonicity: Isotonic solutions, Hypotonic solutions and Hypertonic Solutions
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Incompatibilities
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Flushing Protocols
Chapter 6
Fluid Regulation
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Methods of Fluid Regulation
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Patient Considerations in Fluid Regulation
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External Factors that Affect the Rate of Flow
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Calculation of IV flow rates
Chapter 7
Infection Control and Safety Specific to I.V. Therapy
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Infection Control
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Site Preparation
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Administration Set Changes
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Dressing Changes
Chapter 8
Site Selection and Device Placement
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Criteria for Site and Device Selection
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3 Types of Peripheral Access
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General Considerations of Short Peripheral Access
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Veins to Avoid
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Special Considerations of the Older Adult
Chapter 9
Complications
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Local Complications
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Systemic Complications
Chapter 10
Step by Step Guide to I.V Set Up, Short Peripheral Insertion and Removal of Device
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Pre-insertion Procedures
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Equipment Determination
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IV Bag and Administration Set Preparation
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Insertion Procedure—One Handed Technique
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Therapy Discontinuation
Chapter 11
Assessment and Documentation
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Catheter Insertion Documentation
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Catheter Removal Documentation
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Assessment, Monitoring and Documentation by Therapy