Basics of Peripheral IV Therapy: Current Standards of Practice
This course has been designed to provide basic conceptual and operational knowledge to healthcare clinicians who have had limited exposure to infusion therapy principles 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.
In early 2024, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy, released the updated Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. The INS sets the accepted standards for infusion therapy practice for all healthcare settings. This course is based on the current best practices as defined by the Infusion Nursing Society and other governing agencies such as the CDC, and FDA.
Many governing boards require nurses, nursing assistive personnel, radiology technicians, EMT’s, paramedics and respiratory therapist to have additional infusion therapy education after licensure. These requirements vary by state and governing board. For help finding the right IV education course(s) for the state in which you practice, see our State Boards of Nursing guide or use the state drop-down box on our Courses page. This course alone does not fulfill what most state Boards of Nursing require for "IV education" or "IV certification" requirements. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the healthcare provider's employer, facility or institution, with a preceptor. The number of times a procedure must be repeated to demonstrate competency will be determined by the employer or as stipulated by the Board of Nursing or other governing agency of the profession. Pedagogy has developed skill check-off lists for all infusion related procedures and these are available in the course for print out and completion with a preceptor.
Have questions? Check out our FAQs page and our page, How Online IV Certification Works. If you need to purchase IV education for your staff, see our Learning Management System page for more information and instructions on how to get started. We offer bulk discounts!
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
- List specific measures that will protect against malpractice.
- Identify infusion related complications, causes and appropriate treatment.
- Demonstrate the correct calculation of an IV flow rate.
- Identify methods of infection control related to IV therapy.
- List the components of accurate and complete documentation of IV procedures and complications.
- Demonstrate IV and Infusion related procedures.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Legal Issues
- Regulatory Agencies and Governing Bodies
- Components of a Complete Physicians Order
- Legal Terms and Applications in Nursing
- Protective Measures for Guarding against Malpractice Lawsuits
- The Vascular System: Veins, Arteries and Bone Marrow
- The Three Layers of the Vessels and Their Function
- Differentiating Arteries from Veins
- Veins used in Peripheral Intravenous Therapy for Pediatrics and Adults
- Intraosseous
- Skin: Anatomy and Physiology
- Age Specific Needs of Children
- Elderly Patient Needs
- Cultural Aspects
- Patients with Sensory Deficits
- Methods of Reducing Patient Anxiety
- Patient Teaching/Education
- Water: The Primary Fluid of the Body
- Hypovolemia—Dehydration: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
- Hypervolemia—Fluid Overload: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
- Fluid Compartments
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Assessment, Causes, Treatments
- pH of Intravenous Solutions and Medications
- Tonicity: Isotonic solutions, Hypotonic solutions and Hypertonic Solutions Incompatibilities
- Methods of Fluid Regulation
- Patient Considerations in Fluid Regulation
- External Factors that Affect the Rate of Flow
- Calculation of IV flow rates
- Hand Hygiene
- Sharps Management
- Medical Waste Disposal
- Durable Medical Equipment Disinfection
- Standard Precautions
- Transmission-Based Precautions
- Trans-illuminator Technology
- Near Infrared Technology
- Ultrasound
- Criteria For Peripheral Devices
- 3 Types Of Peripheral Access And Criteria For Placement
- Special Considerations Of The Specific Age Groups
- General Considerations Of Short Peripheral Access
- Veins To Avoid
- Needleless Connectors
- Filtration
- Add-on Devices
- VAD Stabilization
- Joint Stabilization
- Site Protection
- Flushing and Locking
- Assessment, Care, and Dressing Changes
- Administration Set Changes
- Local Complications
- Hematoma
- Infiltration
- Extravasation
- Phlebitis
- Site Infection
- Catheter Occlusion
- MARSI
- Nerves and Nerve Damage
- Compartment Syndrome
- Systemic Complications
- Pre-insertion Procedures
- Peripheral IV Insertion
- Primary and Secondary Administration set-up
- IV Push Administration
- Catheter Discontinuation
- Catheter Insertion Documentation
- Catheter Removal Documentation
- Assessment, Monitoring and Documentation by Therapy
- Peripheral IV Insertion
- Medication Administration
- Large Volume Electronic Infusion Device Peripheral IV Catheter Insertion
- IV Push
- Administration of Infusate via an Ambulatory Infusion Pump
- References
- California BON Required Implicit Bias Information
Price: $90.00
Contact Hours: 7
Course Author
Capra Garrison
Course Accreditation
See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.