Peripheral IV Therapy: Current Standards of Practice
Peripheral intravenous (IV) therapy is one of the most commonly performed clinical procedures across healthcare settings. Safe vascular access requires a strong understanding of anatomy, fluid and electrolyte balance, infection prevention, device selection, insertion techniques, complication recognition, and evidence-based maintenance practices.
This course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive foundation in peripheral IV therapy using the latest evidence and current standards of practice. Content is based on the 2024 Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, along with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other applicable regulatory organizations.
Designed for clinicians who perform or assist with peripheral vascular access, this course reviews legal considerations, vascular anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, fluid and electrolyte management, vascular access device selection, infection prevention, insertion and maintenance best practices, complication management, documentation, and competency expectations. Practical procedure guides and skills checklists are included to reinforce safe clinical practice.
Because scope of practice and competency requirements vary by profession and state, participants should practice within applicable regulatory requirements and organizational policies. Successful completion of this course provides foundational knowledge but does not replace employer-based competency validation or supervised clinical training where required.
Pedagogy has developed skills competency checklists for all infusion-related procedures, and these are available in the course for printout and completion with a preceptor.
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
- Scope of practice and professional accountability
- State Nurse Practice Acts and regulatory requirements
- Organizational policies and competency validation
- Informed consent, patient rights, and standards of care
- Legal and ethical responsibilities in infusion therapy
Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology
- Structure and function of arteries, veins, and capillaries
- Anatomy of the peripheral vascular system
- Vein characteristics and identification
- Circulation and factors affecting venous blood flow
- Anatomical considerations for safe vascular access
Chapter 3: Psychological Needs
- Patient anxiety and fear related to IV therapy
- Therapeutic communication and patient education
- Pain and discomfort associated with vascular access
- Age-appropriate and individualized patient support
- Patient participation and preferences in the plan of care
Chapter 4: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Distribution and movement of body fluids
- Major electrolytes and their functions
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
- Assessment of hydration and fluid status
- Clinical considerations during IV fluid replacement
Chapter 5: pH, Tonicity, Compatibility
- pH and its effect on vascular tolerance
- Isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions
- Osmolality and movement of fluid between compartments
- Irritant versus vesicant medications and solutions
- Medication and solution compatibility
Chapter 6: Fluid Regulation
- Gravity infusion and flow-rate regulation
- Electronic and smart infusion devices
- Infusion rate and volume calculations
- Factors that alter prescribed flow rates
- Safe monitoring and management of IV infusions
Chapter 7: Infection Prevention and Safety Compliance
- Hand hygiene and Standard Precautions
- Aseptic technique and skin antisepsis
- Needleless connector and hub disinfection
- Sharps safety and occupational exposure prevention
- Prevention of catheter-related infections
Chapter 8: Vascular Visualization
- Comprehensive vascular assessment
- Recognition of difficult intravenous access (DIVA)
- Transillumination and near-infrared visualization
- Ultrasound-guided vascular access
- Visualization technology, catheter selection, and vessel preservation
Chapter 9: Site Selection and Device Placement
- Principles of vessel preservation
- Selection of appropriate veins and insertion sites
- Catheter gauge and length selection
- Short peripheral, midline, and central vascular access considerations
- Patient- and therapy-specific device selection
Chapter 10: Vascular Access Device Management
- Needleless connectors and add-on devices
- Catheter stabilization and site protection
- Flushing, locking, and maintaining catheter patency
- Dressing and administration-set management
- Ongoing catheter assessment and clinically indicated removal
Chapter 11: Procedure Guides and Videos
- Peripheral IV catheter insertion
- Primary and secondary IV infusion administration
- Safe IV push medication administration
- Scope-of-practice considerations for IV procedures
- Peripheral IV catheter removal and post-procedure care
Chapter 12: Complications
- Infiltration, extravasation, and phlebitis
- Hematoma, occlusion, infection, and other local complications
- Nerve injury, MARSI, venous spasm, and compartment syndrome
- Fluid overload, hypersensitivity reactions, air embolism, and other systemic complications
- Early recognition, immediate intervention, prevention, and escalation of complications
Chapter 13: Assessment and Documentation
- Ongoing patient and vascular access assessment
- Documentation of catheter insertion and infusion therapy
- Recognition and documentation of complications
- Catheter removal and patient education documentation
- Communication, handoff, and legal documentation principles
Chapter 14: Skill Checklists
Price: $90.00
Contact Hours: 6
Course Author
Capra Garrison
Course Accreditation
See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.