IV Infusion Therapy for Nurses Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Safety Standards

Introduces infusion therapy practice standards, scope of practice, and institutional policy frameworks. Anchors all subsequent clinical decisions in professional accountability.

Lesson 2 • Anatomy of the Venous System

Covers peripheral and central venous anatomy relevant to IV access. Builds the anatomical knowledge required for safe site selection throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Indications and Contraindications

Defines clinical scenarios requiring IV therapy and situations where it is contraindicated. Enables nurses to make evidence-based initiation decisions.

Lesson 1 • High-Alert IV Medications

Identifies medications with narrow therapeutic indices requiring heightened precautions. Prepares nurses to apply double-check protocols and dose verification steps.

Lesson 2 • Classification of IV Solutions

Categorizes crystalloids, colloids, and blood products by tonicity and clinical use. Connects solution chemistry to expected physiological effects.

Lesson 3 • IV Medication Pharmacokinetics

Explains how IV administration alters drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. Establishes the pharmacological basis for dosing and timing decisions.

Lesson 4 • Drug Compatibility and Stability

Addresses physical and chemical compatibility of IV additives and solutions. Prevents preparation errors that compromise drug efficacy or patient safety.

Lesson 1 • Device Selection Decision Framework

Applies a structured algorithm integrating therapy type, duration, and patient factors. Enables consistent, evidence-based device selection across clinical settings.

Lesson 2 • Midline and Midclavicular Catheters

Distinguishes midline catheters from short peripherals and PICCs by tip position and dwell time. Clarifies appropriate solution osmolality thresholds for midline use.

Lesson 3 • Peripheral IV Catheter Types

Compares short peripheral catheters by gauge, material, and intended use. Guides selection based on flow rate requirements and vein condition.

Lesson 4 • Central Venous Access Devices

Covers non-tunneled CVCs, tunneled catheters, and implanted ports by indication and risk profile. Prepares nurses to assist with insertion and manage each device type.

Lesson 1 • Difficult Venous Access Strategies

Addresses vein visualization aids, alternative sites, and escalation pathways for hard-to-access patients. Reduces patient discomfort and unnecessary insertion attempts.

Lesson 2 • Securement and Dressing Application

Covers catheter stabilization devices, transparent dressings, and engineered securement. Prevents catheter dislodgment and reduces infection risk at the insertion site.

Lesson 3 • Aseptic Technique and Skin Antisepsis

Details hand hygiene, glove selection, and skin antiseptic application methods. Establishes infection prevention as the non-negotiable foundation of every insertion.

Lesson 4 • Venipuncture and Catheter Advancement

Teaches needle angle, bevel orientation, flashback recognition, and catheter threading. Builds the psychomotor skill sequence for successful catheter placement.

Lesson 1 • Gravity Infusion and Flow Rate Calculation

Teaches manual drip rate calculation using volume, time, and drop factor variables. Builds mathematical accuracy for settings without electronic infusion devices.

Lesson 2 • IV Administration Set Selection

Compares primary, secondary, and specialty tubing sets by drop factor and clinical use. Ensures correct set selection for gravity and pump-driven infusions.

Lesson 3 • Syringe Pumps and Patient-Controlled Analgesia

Explains syringe pump setup, PCA programming, and lockout interval configuration. Enables safe delivery of concentrated medications and patient-controlled dosing.

Lesson 4 • Electronic Infusion Pump Operation

Covers volumetric pump programming, dose-error reduction software, and alarm response. Prepares nurses to operate pumps safely and respond to device alerts.

Lesson 1 • IV Site Inspection and Patency Checks

Defines inspection frequency, patency testing methods, and site assessment scoring tools. Ensures early detection of infiltration, occlusion, and phlebitis at the access site.

Lesson 2 • Fluid Balance Monitoring

Covers intake and output measurement, urine output targets, and edema assessment. Connects fluid balance data to infusion rate adjustment decisions.

Lesson 3 • Electrolyte and Laboratory Monitoring

Identifies critical laboratory values requiring infusion modification or provider notification. Builds the clinical judgment to act on lab trends before complications escalate.

Lesson 4 • Baseline and Ongoing Patient Assessment

Establishes pre-infusion vital signs, weight, and laboratory baselines for comparison. Provides the reference data needed to detect fluid and electrolyte changes during therapy.

Lesson 1 • Catheter Removal and Site Discontinuation

Details indications for removal, safe discontinuation technique, and post-removal site care. Prevents complications associated with prolonged or improperly discontinued access.

Lesson 2 • Catheter Occlusion and Malposition

Addresses thrombotic and non-thrombotic occlusions and catheter tip malposition signs. Prepares nurses to restore patency safely and recognize malposition indicators.

Lesson 3 • Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections

Defines CLABSI and CRBSI criteria, risk factors, and bundle-based prevention strategies. Equips nurses to implement and audit infection prevention bundles consistently.

Lesson 4 • Local Complications at the IV Site

Covers infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and hematoma with grading and interventions. Enables prompt recognition and treatment to prevent tissue damage.

Lesson 1 • Parenteral Nutrition Infusion Management

Covers TPN and PPN composition, dedicated line requirements, and metabolic monitoring. Enables nurses to initiate, maintain, and troubleshoot parenteral nutrition safely.

Lesson 2 • Pediatric IV Therapy Considerations

Addresses weight-based dosing, age-appropriate vein selection, and volume safety limits in children. Adapts standard IV competencies to the unique physiological needs of pediatric patients.

Lesson 3 • Home and Ambulatory Infusion Therapy

Addresses patient and caregiver education, supply management, and remote monitoring for home infusion. Prepares nurses to transition patients safely from inpatient to outpatient IV therapy.

Lesson 4 • Oncology and Chemotherapy Infusions

Explains vesicant and irritant classification, port access, and chemotherapy spill management. Prepares nurses to deliver cytotoxic agents safely with appropriate personal protection.

Lesson 5 • Geriatric IV Therapy Considerations

Covers fragile vein management, polypharmacy interactions, and fluid overload risk in older adults. Modifies insertion and monitoring approaches for age-related physiological changes.