Course description

This class prepares students for initiating and/or maintaining common intravenous therapies. Nursing assessments, documentation, and special patient care are included. Although focus is on hospitalized patients, knowledge can easily be transferred to the home health and field settings. The course covers insertion techniques, administration of TPN, blood, blood products, piggybacks, intermittent infusion sets, common IV drugs, Pediatric start techniques ( including special pediatric equipment, site selection and IV administration considerations). This course covers minimum competencies for California IV certification and the regulations and scope of practice rules.

Upon completion of this course the student will

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin, four structures of a vein, and locations of veins in the upper extremities.
• Explain indications for intravenous therapy, advantages and disadvantages, modes of administration.
• Explain homeostasis, the three major organs effecting homeostasis, and functions of electrolytes.
• Calculate the correct volume and dosage for a prescribed IV medication dose.
• Describe signs and symptoms of adverse drug reactions and nursing interventions for local and systemic complications related to IV therapy.
• Explain the necessary reporting and documenting for adverse drug reactions.
• Define specific terms related to IV administration equipment.
• Demonstrate the placement of a IV catheter.
• Describe the procedures for administration of IV piggyback medication using continuous flow tubing, peripheral well, and secondary line with primary line established.
• Explain psychological factors and specific nursing approaches for emotional support of the IV therapy.
• Describe principals of nursing care related to cultural, pediatric, and geriatric considerations.
• State factors that determine the IV dressing site dressing change schedule and describe the care of infusion site, and a peripheral well flush.
• Describe the specific elements of IV therapy documentation and accurate documentation of specific procedures.
• Describe specific procedures for laboratory check lists including care for infusion site, piggyback administration, and discontinuance of IV infusion.
• Discuss the importance of communication skills in establishing a patient relationship.
• Recognize developmental level and utilize developmental theory in planning, implementing, and evaluating care of assigned patient.
• Recognize and utilize principals of safety when planning, implementing, and evaluating care of assigned patient.
• Discuss the use of nursing process, techniques/learning theories when incorporating informal health teaching in the health care setting.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for his/her own actions as defined by the California Nurse Practice Act, and Title 22.

The duration of this course is 24 hours of theory lecture and 6 hours of lab/practical hands on. Upon successful completion of this course, and 3 successful IV starts, students (LVN’s ) will receive a Certificate of Completion for Intravenous Therapy from the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The BVNPT does not certify unlicensed professionals in IV therapy.

Type of degree conferred : Certificate

2010 Class Schedule - IV Certification