Chabot College
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: Satisfactory completion of all required
nursing courses in the first and second semester of the nursing curriculum (Nursing 55, Nursing 56, Nursing 58,
Nursing 59, Nursing 61, Nursing 69, Nursing 74, Nursing 75, Nursing 88 and Nursing 88L or their equivalents.
Nursing 70 is a prerequisite for LVNs joining the program.) Concurrent enrollment in the third or fourth semester
of the nursing program (Nursing 60A, Nursing 60B and Nursing 64). 12 total hours lecture, 12 total hours
laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 12, laboratory 12]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
demonstrate hand washing 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;
9. describe how Evidence-based Practice, Quality Improvements and Safety can be incorporated into
intravenous therapy.
Course Content:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Solution differentiation
Calculation of IV rate
Equipment identification
Complications of I.V. therapy
Legal implications
Central lines
Evidence-based Practice, Quality Improvement, and Safety (QSEN)
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 73, page 2
Fall 2011
Laboratory Content:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Preparation of equipment
Vein selection and distention
Skin preparation
Venipuncture techniques
Methods of securing an I.V
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, D., F.A. Davis,
Philadelphia, PA, 2010.
Special Student Materials:
IV Start Packs (may be purchased in Chabot College bookstore)
[CT] [C;\word\Nurs73_F2011]
[Revised: September 27, 2010]