Advanced IV Therapy and Techniques

This unit focuses on IV therapy considerations for special populations (infants, children, the elderly, and homebound patients) and consolidates critical knowledge and hands-on techniques for successful IV starts. It integrates troubleshooting, patient education, infection control, and ten practical clinical strategies to prepare students for safe, entry-level practice and workplace scenarios.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze physiological and anatomical differences in pediatric and geriatric patients to select appropriate catheter type, site, and infusion parameters for safe IV therapy.
• Apply evidence-based protocols for initiating, maintaining, and documenting IV therapy in home healthcare settings, including infection prevention and caregiver education.
• Demonstrate core IV therapy competencies—such as vein assessment, securement, complication recognition, and pediatric/geriatric modifications—in simulated clinical scenarios with accuracy and adherence to CTE standards.
• Evaluate common IV therapy complications and implement appropriate, evidence-based interventions and ten practical techniques to improve first-attempt IV success while ensuring patient safety and ethical care.