Purpose of Module:
The purpose of this module is to review the principles of starting an IV, setting up the IV administration set, administering IV fluids, and calculating IV flow rates.

Time to Complete IV Module: 1 hour

Directions for Using the IV Module:

* You must spend at least 1/2 hour doing hands-on training.
1. Read the training objectives.
2. Watch the video tape by Mosby " EZ IV". Stop the video tape after the discussion regarding complications. You do not need to watch IV piggyback or IV push administration.
3. Start an IV and administer IV fluids on an IV arm.
4. Take the posttest.
5. Give the module back to the instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives:

1. Review site selection for vascular access.
2. Review the principles of IV cannulation.
3. Review the principles of calculating IV drip rate.
4. Review the complications of IV therapy.
5. Perform on an IV arm, starting an IV and administering IV fluids.

Activities to Perform:

1. Watch the video tape by Mosby "EZ IV". Stop the videotape after the discussion regarding complications. You do not need to watch IV piggyback or IV push administration.
2. Use the Intravenous Therapy Skill Checklist to verify your steps in starting an IV and administering IV fluids.
3. Perform on an IV arm, starting an IV and administering IV fluids.
4. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

Posttest:

1. Dilating a vein in preparation for a venipuncture can be accomplished by all of the following interventions except
A. have patient open and close fist several times
B. instruct the patient to elevate hand above heart
C. apply warm compresses for 10 minutes
D. apply a tourniquet

2. For easy insertion through the skin, the bevel of the needle is placed
A. upward
B. downward
C. toward the side
D. none of the above

3. A microdrip intravenous set always delivers fluid at what rate?
A. 15gtt/ml
B. 30gtt/ml
C. 60gtt/ml
D. rates differ among manufacturers

4. Assessment of an existing IV must include which of the following?
A. review the entire IV system
B. check container contents
C. check site for complications
D. all of the above

5. Which situation shows that no infiltration is present?
A. blood returns when the bag is lowered
B. fluid continues to drip
C. the patient does not complain of pain at the site
D. the tissue is not red or warm

6. If the IV site is red, swollen, and warm to the touch, what is the problem?
A. Clotting
B. Infiltration
C. Phlebitis
D. Plugged needle

7. The order for IV fluids reads, "1000 ml of 0.45 sodium chloride to run for 10 hours." Determine the number of drops per minute the IV should run if the administration set delivers 15gtts/ml.
A. 20gtt/min
B. 25gtt/min
C. 30gtt/min
D. 50gtt/min

Answers: (1) B (2) A (3) C (4) D (5) A (6) C (7) B