MDA 118 - Intravenous Therapy

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Learn practices of intravenous therapy (IVT) in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Students are given an overview of IVT theory, techniques for insertion, monitoring, and care and maintenance of external, peripheral intravenous lines. Additional topics include care and maintenance of venous access devices, such as midline peripheral catheters, central venous catheters and internal ports. Other topics include types and purpose of IVT, mechanical and infusion pumps including patient-controlled analgesia, calculation procedures, administration sets, types of fluids related to specific condition and expected outcome and discontinuation. The course focus is on the application and understanding, as well as presenting real-life situations that can occur during IV therapy and their necessary solutions. Lab fee $50.

Prerequisite(s): MDA 110 , MDA 111 , MDA 113 , and MDA 112 , or permission of the department chair.

Note: Typically offered OL; summer term.

Course Outcomes:

Students will understand the practice of intravenous therapy
- As demonstrated by students understanding their role and scope of practice relative to IV therapy
- As demonstrated by stating at least four reasons for IV therapy
Students will understand safety measures and infection control necessary for intravenous therapy administration
- As demonstrated by relating CDC standards for hand hygiene before, during and after IV therapy procedures.
- As demonstrated by stating the responsibilities in the prevention of needle sticks and identifying personal protective equipment that is used during IV therapy.
Students will understand the purpose and maintenance of intravenous therapy supplies and equipment
- As demonstrated by stating the difference among types of infusion rate control devices.
- As demonstrated by stating how IV therapy fluids are supplied.
- As demonstrated by stating the factors to be considered when selecting a venous access device.
Students will understand intravenous fluids, components and compatibility
- As demonstrated by stating the factors that affect the compatibility of IV solutions and medications.
- As demonstrated by stating the responsibility involved in safe administration of IV fluids and medications.
Students will understand preparation and patient communication when performing IV therapy
- As demonstrated by stating and demonstrating IV therapy techniques for insertion of peripheral IV and saline or heparin lock.
- As demonstrated by selecting and preparing the correct equipment for IV therapy based on the physicians orders and the facility policy.
- As demonstrated by stating the proper way to psychologically and physically prepare the patient for IV therapy.
Students will understand monitoring and maintaining intravenous therapy
- As demonstrated by stating the common problems that can occur with IV therapy, including infiltration and phlebitis and the correct steps to prevent these problems.
- As demonstrated by stating the means to troubleshoot IV flow rate problems, including IVs that have stopped or are flowing too slowly or too fast.
Students will understand documentation and discontinuation of intravenous therapy
- As demonstrated by stating the proper documentation for IV initiation, during IV therapy, and for IV discontinuation.
- As demonstrated by stating and demonstrating the procedure for discontinuing a peripheral IV infusion.
Students will understand intravenous therapy calculations
- As demonstrated by proficiency in calculation exercises to calculate flow rate for electronic infusion devices and manually controlled IV infusions.
- As demonstrated by proficiency in practice calculations determining infusion time and volume infused based on flow rate.