Infusion Therapy Fundamentals

This unit expands foundational IV therapy knowledge into the core clinical skills needed for safe infusion practice, including fluid and electrolyte management, parenteral nutrition, accurate calculations, device operation, documentation, and peripheral IV essentials. It builds on basic patient care principles and prepares students for advanced infusion therapies and complication management in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze common fluid and electrolyte disorders and select appropriate IV fluids and monitoring strategies for maintenance, replacement, and correction.
• Apply principles of parenteral nutrition formulation and administration, including component selection, aseptic preparation considerations, and monitoring for metabolic and catheter-related complications.
• Demonstrate accurate drug dosage, drip, and flow rate calculations and correctly program and operate infusion delivery methods (gravity, programmable pumps, and syringe drivers).
• Evaluate peripheral IV site selection, insertion and maintenance techniques and produce comprehensive, legally compliant documentation that supports continuity of infusion care and patient safety.