Course Outline
Fall, 2004
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 or eligibility for fourth semester of
nursing curriculum or a valid LVN license. May be offered in Distance Education delivery format.
2 hours. Total weeks: 9
Prerequisite Skills
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
accurately complete and document the results of a head to toe physical assessment on an ill
patient;
verbalize an understanding of the pathophysiology of the peripheral vascular system;
verbalize an understanding of the pathophysiology of fluids and electrolytes.
Expected Outcome for the Student:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
list or verbally state all equipment necessary for initiation and maintenance of intravenous
therapy;
list or verbally state 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;
given the drip factor and desired infusion volume per hour, demonstrate the ability to
calculate intravenous flow rates correctly;
write or verbally state considerations for vein selection prior to institution of intravenous
therapy;
write or verbally state three methods of distending a vein;
demonstrate:
a.
safe tourniquet application;
b.
correct skin preparation;
c.
aseptic venipuncture using an angiocath and/or butterfly;
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;
demonstrate initiation and maintenance of a blood and/or blood components transfusion;
differentiate intravenous solutions according to content, osmolarity and anticipated outcome
following use.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Solution differentiation
Calculation of dosage
Equipment identification
Vein selection and distention
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 73, Page 2
Fall 2004
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Skin preparation
Venipuncture techniques
Methods of securing an I.V.
Complication of I.V. therapy
Legal implications
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
Lecture/discussion
Audio-visual material
Demonstration
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Practice in skills lab
b.
Written assignments
c.
Reading assignments
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Written test
b.
Return demonstration
c.
Written Assignment
Textbook (Typical):
Manual of I.V. Therapeutics, Phillips. F.A. Davis, 2002.
Special Materials:
IV Start Pack (may be purchased in Chabot College bookstore)
nsgotl73.worddoc
Rev. 10/03/CT/slj