Foundations of IV Therapy

This unit introduces the purpose, legal framework, equipment, and core clinical applications of intravenous therapy, including pharmacologic, blood component, and basic chemotherapy administration. Students will consolidate foundational knowledge and safe-practice principles that prepare them for advanced, hands-on skill development in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze clinical indications, contraindications, and expected outcomes for IV therapy modalities (peripheral IV, infusion pumps, blood components, and chemotherapy) to determine appropriate therapy selection.
• Apply North Carolina legal/regulatory requirements, informed consent principles, documentation standards, and facility policies to IV therapy scenarios to ensure compliance and patient safety.
• Demonstrate selection, setup, and aseptic use of IV equipment (catheters, tubing, pumps, infusion sets) and perform basic calculations for IV fluid and medication administration with accuracy.
• Evaluate pharmacologic compatibility, blood-product administration principles, and chemotherapy safety measures (including recognition of adverse reactions and extravasation) and propose appropriate immediate interventions.