Chabot College
Fall 2010
Replaced Fall 2011
Course Outline for Nursing 73
INTRAVENOUS THERAPY
Catalog Description:
73 - Intravenous Therapy
1 unit
Safe administration and maintenance of intravenous therapy as a treatment modality. Includes differentiation of
commonly used solutions, dosage calculation, vein selection and venipuncture techniques, recognition of and
response to complications. Includes laboratory practice. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in the nursing
program with eligibility for third or fourth semester of nursing curriculum or a valid LVN license. 1 hour.
[Typical contact hours: 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
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2.
3.
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6.
demonstrate handwashing correctly;
assess vital signs on a client;
apply standard precautions to procedures;
perform principles of aseptic technique;
accurately complete medication calculations;
perform medication administration.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate safe preparation of all equipment necessary for initiation and maintenance of intravenous
therapy;
2. describe three complications which may occur during intravenous therapy, the signs and symptoms which
would occur with each and the appropriate nursing measures which should be instituted upon recognition;
3. calculate intravenous flow rates correctly;
4. locate or verbally state considerations for vein selection prior to institution of intravenous therapy;
5. perform three methods of distending a vein;
6. perform the following skills safely:
a. safe tourniquet application;
b. correct skin preparation;
c. aseptic venipuncture;
d. two different taping methods of securing an I.V. catheter;
e. correct labeling of I.V. solution, tubing and site;
f. appropriate documentation following initiation of I.V. therapy, including blood products;
7. demonstrate initiation and maintenance of a blood and/or blood components transfusion;
8. differentiate intravenous solutions according to content, osmolarity and anticipated outcome following use.
Course Content:
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3.
4.
5.
6.
Solution differentiation
Calculation of IV rate
Equipment identification
Complications of I.V. therapy
Legal implications
Central lines
Laboratory Content:
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2.
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Preparation of equipment
Vein selection and distention
Skin preparation
Venipuncture techniques
Methods of securing an I.V
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 73, page 2
Fall 2010
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture/discussion
2. Audio-visual material
3. Demonstration
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Practice in skills lab
b. Prepare written assignments
c. Read assignments
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. Written test
b. Return demonstration
c. Written assignment
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Manual of I.V. Therapeutics Evidence-Based Practice for Infusion Therapy ( 5th Ed). Phillips, F.A. Davis.
Special Student Materials:
IV Start Packs (may be purchased in Chabot College bookstore)