IV Therapy Syllabus

Course Information

Course Credits:  45 + Hours

Required Materials: 

• Introduction to Intravenous Therapy for Health Professionals by Eugenia Fulcher and Margaret Frazier.  Saunders ElSevier, 2007.  ISBN 1-4160-3399-8

Course Description:

This course will provide you with the basic knowledge needed to safely and precisely administer intravenous (IV) fluids and medications within your scope of practice.  This course also reviews sterile techniques, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and dosages and calculations.  OSHA regulations are also covered in this course.

Course Objectives:

• Identify and describe the reasons and patient care associated with performing IV therapy.
• Evaluate the cultural beliefs of patients regarding IV therapy.
• Identify and discuss the blood vessels in the upper extremity that are used for therapy.
• Explain peripheral nerves as they pertain to IV therapy.
• Explain Universal Precautions related to IV therapy.
• Explain OSHA regulations related to IV therapy.
• Identify and define the equipment needed for IV therapy.
• Compare and contrast infusion devices.
• Compare and contrast different types of needles.
• Demonstrate proficiency with weight and volume measures of the metric system.
• Calculate dosages related to administration of IV medications and fluids.
• Explain the importance of infection control in IV therapy.
• Identify interventions needed with complications of IV therapy administration.
• Convey information to provide patient safety during the administration of medications.

Grading Policy

Format of the Course:

The course is broken down into 8 modules covering related material. There are 1 chapters in each module.

Each Module contains a quiz worth 40% of your grade overall.

There are four quarter exams which cover multiple modules worth 30% of your grade overall.

There is one cumulative final exam which covers all material in the course worth 30% of your overall grade.

 Course Evaluation & Grading: 

This course is designed to prepare you for the NAPNES IV Therapy exam.  After each assessment within the course, you will be given feedback regarding your progress.  Use the following as your guide to gauge your readiness to take the actual certification exam.

Score – Interpretation and Gauge

• 90 – 100% – You are well-prepared for the actual certification exam.
• 80 – 89% – You are prepared for the exam but further review / study would guarantee success.
• 70 – 79% – You are minimally prepared for this exam. Further review / study is highly recommended to ensure your success on the certification exam.
• 60 – 69% – You are below minimally passing requirements. Significant further review / study is required to ensure success on the certification exam.
• 59% or less – Unacceptable work. Significant further review / study is required to ensure success on the certification exam.

Attendance Policy:

This course is self-paced; however, we recommend completing it within 16 weeks or less. There is no specific time requirement for how many times you log in or how much time you spend in the course.  However, the more time you spend in the course working through the materials and studying, the better you will do on the actual exam with NAPNES.  We strongly recommend logging in at least 3 days per week.  Take full advantage of this course!

Please be sure to take the NAPNES IV Therapy exam within a month of completing this course while the material is fresh in your mind!

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