Course Outline
Fall, 2005
Replaced Fall 2010
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 demonstrate competency in:
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handwashing;
assessing of vital signs;
standard precautions;
principles of aseptic technique;
medication calculations;
medication administration.
Expected Outcome for the Student:
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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Solution differentiation
Calculation of IV rate
Equipment identification
Vein selection and distention
Skin preparation
Venipuncture techniques
Methods of securing an I.V.
Complication of I.V. therapy
Legal implications
Central lines
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 73, Page 2
Fall 2005
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 (Typical):
Intravenous Infusion Therapy for Nurses, Josephsen, D., Thomson, Delmar, 2003.
Special Materials:
IV Start Packs (may be purchased in Chabot College bookstore)
CT: N73_05
10/04