PERIPHERAL IV THERAPY: BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFE OUTCOMES

Course overview

This course is essential for any nurse who is involved in the insertion, care, and assessment of peripheral IVs. Complications related both to the placement of the peripheral IV and those arising during the dwell time are addressed. Trends in the nursing environment leading to increased litigation are briefly explored and malpractice is defined. Nurses who complete this course will gain an understanding of how to make an appropriate IV site selection and its importance, best practice techniques to reduce complications, the importance of monitoring the IV site, and documentation recommendations related to IV therapy. Course Objectives •Identify common complications associated with peripheral IV insertion and dwelling. •Describe best practice strategies to reduce the risk for peripheral IV therapy complications. •Describe interventions used to manage complications associated with peripheral IV therapy. •Discuss nursing malpractice issues and how they relate to peripheral IV therapy.