IV Therapy Learning Objectives

By Edward Brown

Intravenous (I.V.) Therapy, patient safety and comfort are important elements in patient care. For the medical professional the level of care provided is only as strong as the level of knowledge. Today I.V. therapy has become more commonplace in inpatient and ambulatory settings. With advances in bio-technology, changes with equipment and supplies, patients are increasingly receiving IV therapy in more non-traditional settings around the world. This book is intended to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to safely provide I.V. therapy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BooxAi
• Release date: Oct 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9789655785708

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this book is to provide the healthcare provider with the knowledge and skills to safely perform an IV insertion, and safely administer fluids, electrolytes, nutrients, blood, and blood products.

Patient safety and comfort are important elements in patient care. For the medical professional, the level of care provided is only as strong as the level of knowledge. As IV therapy has become more commonplace in inpatient and ambulatory settings, the need for knowledge has rapidly changed. With improved biotechnology equipment and supplies, patients are increasingly receiving IV therapy in more nontraditional settings.

IV therapy is a complex technical treatment that most patients use in an acute care setting or outpatient facility. Professionals providing IV therapy must continually keep current as IV therapy continues to evolve. This book is intended to provide the necessary skills to safely provide IV therapy using an aseptic technique with a focus on anatomy and physiology, the equipment and supplies necessary, a review of calculations, pharmacology as it relates to IV therapy, and the practice of starting and running an IV infusion pump.

We are confident that upon completion of reading this book, you will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide proficient IV therapy to your patients.

CHAPTER TWO

IV THERAPY DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES

Documentation of IV therapy procedures must occur after insertion of an IV, during the course of therapy and upon removal of the IV catheter. Documentation always includes the date, time, healthcare provider initials and identification number of the person performing the procedure. Additional information about the catheter, IV site and the patient’s condition are also documented throughout the IV therapy procedure.

Ambiguous terms and abbreviations should never be used in the documentation of IV therapy. Guidelines for appropriate abbreviations are established by JCAHO and by each healthcare facility. Patients receiving IV therapy must be monitored regularly. Documentation includes the amount and type of IV fluids administered, other fluid intake and output, any signs or symptoms of fluid deficit or excess and any signs and symptoms of sodium and potassium deficit or excess.

Patients on IV therapy must have their fluid intake and output recorded so fluid balance can be maintained. Oral fluid intake, IV infusions, and tube feedings are recorded as intake. Urine, diarrhea, vomiting, and drainage are recorded as output.

Precautions to be taken during IV discontinuation include Standard Precautions, stabilizing the catheter while removing the tape, and keeping direct pressure on the site after removal of the catheter to stop any bleeding and to prevent a hematoma. IV discontinuation documentation includes the date and time that