Advanced IV Therapy and Calculations

This unit develops learners’ competence in IV medication and fluid calculations, infusion setup, and safe administration of continuous and intermittent IV therapies. Students practice equipment selection, aseptic techniques, patient monitoring, documentation, and emergency response (including anaphylaxis and transfusion procedures) to prepare for clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze prescription orders, fluid charts, and medication abbreviations to accurately calculate millilitres, infusion rates, weight‑based dosages, ratios, and metric conversions for IV and injectable therapies
• Apply proper equipment selection and aseptic technique to set up and administer IV infusions, injections, central line access, and continuous therapies (including insulin and heparin) according to facility protocols
• Demonstrate correct programming and assessment of infusion pump rates, IV drip titration, and monitoring procedures, including documentation and interpretation of patient responses and fluid balance
• Evaluate and respond to IV‑related complications and emergencies (e.g., anaphylaxis, transfusion reactions), implementing appropriate precautions, escalation, and accurate clinical documentation