Course ID: FQUEWU110
Course Name: Intravenous Therapy Update
Credits: 1

This one contact hour home study continuing education course on Intravenous Therapy is designed to refresh the nurse's knowledge about IV therapy initiation, maintenance, infusion and medication administration. A discussion of fluid and electrolyte balance is included as it pertains to the administration of IV fluids. A list of fluids and their uses, site selection techniques and complications of IV therapy are outlined. In addition, caring for the whole person during IV therapy will be discussed.

About the Author
Ruth McCaffrey ND, ARNP is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University and a practicing ARNP in family practice. She received her Nursing Doctorate from Case Western University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. Dr. McCaffrey has published a textbook on IV therapy with the South Florida Nurse Educators Association.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this home-study continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

1. Identify appropriate anatomical sites for the initiation of IV therapy
2. Describe the possible complications of IV therapy
3. List the types of fluids used for IV therapy, their tonicity and therapeutic uses
4. Discuss fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and how this balance is affected by IV therapy
5. Describe the appropriate methods of medication administration via the IV route.
6. Discuss the importance of caring for the person during IV therapy.