IV THERAPY

PMCI’s IV Therapy course can be taken by new graduates of vocational nursing and registered nurse programs and by Registered and Licensed Vocational Nurses. This course fulfills California’s 36-hour requirement for IV Therapy training for LVNs. It is designed to include both lecture and clinical experience.

PMCI’s IV Therapy course includes information about the venous system; peripheral veins; common IV medical terminology and abbreviations; venipuncture; various means of intravenous to deliver IV therapy, including different catheter types and their use; special IV therapies; the adverse reactions and complications associated with IVs; different types of IV equipment and their uses; the appropriate and accurate administration of IV medications and solutions, including those delivered via a central line; caring for patients receiving IV therapy, blood and blood components, and parenteral nutrition; and the incorporation of infection control procedures into all aspects of venipuncture and intravenous therapy. The class also includes essential patient teaching, psychological preparation, patient assessment and observation and essential documentation.  The course is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the skin, venous and arterial systems 
• Discuss the purposes of and indications for intravenous therapy. 
• Discuss osmosis, diffusion and the effects of numerous intravenous fluids on the body and body fluid balance. 
• Define medical terms that are pertinent to intravenous therapy. 
• Accurately calculate IV flow rates, total infusion time, and intravenous rates based on body weight. 
• Describe the legal aspects of IV administration including competency and scope of practice. 
• Describe infection control practices and universal precautions during venipuncture and during the course intravenous therapy. 
• Relate the procedures for venipuncture and starting and managing peripheral, midline, and central venous catheter lines. 
• Describe the purpose of and care of the patient with a peripheral IV, a midline catheter, and a central line. 
• Recognize and intervene appropriately when a complication or adverse reaction to intravenous therapy arises.
•  Describe the patient care priorities, safety measures and observations and assessments for patients receiving IV medications, chemotherapy, blood and blood products, and parenteral nutrition. 
• Demonstrate three (3) individually supervised, successful venipunctures on live subjects. 
• Demonstrate proper vein selection and proper preparation and immobilization of the venipuncture site.
•  Demonstrate excellent infection control measures at all times during venipuncture practice.
•  Discuss and identify the various types of venipuncture devices, types of delivery systems and types of intravenous fluids

Please call us at 805-497-4064 for any help, information or calendar updates. You can also request email communication and information by going to our contact page.