This course has been designed to provide basic conceptual and operational knowledge to District of Columbia Licensed Practical Nurses 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. The District of Columbia Board of Nursing list specific rules regarding the LPNs infusion practice, detailing what procedures may be performed by the LPN and what procedures are considered out of the scope of practice.
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.
This 12-hour online continuing education provides a low stress, convenient method of obtaining quality infusion education incorporating various educational techniques designed for the adult learner. The program is comprised of the 14 hour didactic portion completed on your time schedule. Upon successful completion of the course exam, with a score of 80% or greater, the student may instantly print a “Certificate of Completion” for the didactic portion of the course. Within the course content, we provide a complete set of skill check-off lists for completion by preceptor or employer designated staff member.
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!
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Legal Issues
- Regulatory Agencies and Governing Bodies
- Components of a Complete Order
- Legal Terms and Applications
- Protective Measures for Guarding Against Malpractice Lawsuits
Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology
- 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
Chapter 3: Psychological Needs of the IV Patient
- Age Specific Needs
- Elderly Patient Needs
- Cultural Aspects
- Patients with Sensory Deficits
- Methods of Reducing Patient Anxiety
- Patient Teaching/Education
Chapter 4: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- 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
Chapter 5: pH, Osmolality, and Incompatibilities of Solutions and Medications
- pH of Intravenous Solutions and Medications
- Tonicity: Isotonic Solutions, Hypotonic Solutions, and Hypertonic Solutions Incompatibilities
Chapter 6: Fluid Regulation
- Methods of Fluid Regulation
- Patient Considerations in Fluid Regulation
- External Factors that Affect the Rate of Flow
- Calculation of IV flow Rates
Chapter 7: Infection Prevention and Safety Compliance
- Hand Hygiene
- Sharps Management
- Medical Waste Disposal
- Durable Medical Equipment Disinfection
- Standard Precautions
- Transmission-Based Precautions
- Aseptic No Touch Technique- ANTT
Chapter 8: Vascular Visualization
- Trans-illuminator Technology
- Near Infrared Technology
- Ultrasound
Chapter 9: Site Selection and Device Placement
- 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
Chapter 10: Vascular Access Device Management
- Needleless Connectors
- Filtration
- Add-on Devices
- VAD Stabilization
- Joint Stabilization
- Site Protection
- Flushing and Locking
- Assessment, Care, and Dressing Changes
- Administration Set Changes
Chapter 11: Peripheral Complications
- Local Complications
- Hematoma
- Infiltration
- Extravasation
- Phlebitis
- Site Infection
- Catheter Occlusion
- MARSI
- Nerves—Avoiding Damage
- Compartment Syndrome
- Systemic Complications
Chapter 12: Procedures Guides and Videos
- Pre-insertion Procedures
- Peripheral IV Insertion
- Primary and Secondary Administration Setup
- IV Push Administration
- Catheter Discontinuation
Chapter 13: Assessment and Documentation
- Catheter Insertion Documentation
- Catheter Removal Documentation
- Assessment, Monitoring, and Documentation by Therapy
Chapter 14: Central Line Review
- Definition of a central line
- Reasons for the use of a central line
- Advantages of a central line
- Overview of Central Venous Access Devices:
- Lumens
- Non‐valved and valved catheters
- Non‐tunneled catheters
- Tunneled catheters
- Implanted ports
- PICC or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
Chapter 15: Anatomy
- Veins used for placement of central venous access devices
- Catheter tip placement
Chapter 16: Assessment and Preparations for Central Venous Catheterization
- Considerations for the selection of the device
- Preparations for central venous catheterization
Chapter 17: Vascular Access Device Management
- Needleless connectors
- CVAD stabilization
- Site protection
- Flushing and locking
- Assessment, care, and dressing changes
- Administration set changes
- Blood Sampling from a CVAD
Chapter 18: CVAD Complications
- Catheter-related complications
- Systemic complications
- Insertion related complications
Chapter 19: Assessment, Documentation, and Patient Education
- Documentation of insertions, removal, infiltration, or extravasations
- Assessment, monitoring, and documentation
Chapter 20: Skill Checklists
- Medication Administration via Primary Continuous or Intermittent Infusion
- Electronic Infusion Device Programming
- Peripheral IV Catheter Insertion
- IV Push
- Administration of Infusate via an Ambulatory Infusion Pump
- Medication Administration via an Elastomeric Device
- Accessing a Port
- Blood Specimen Collection From a CVAD
- De-Accessing an Implanted Port
- Electronic Infusion Device Programming
- Medication Administration
- Midline or Central Line Dressing Change
- Needleless Connector Device Change
Chapter 21: References