IV Therapies & Cannulation

What's covered on the day?

This session will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of peripheral cannulation and intravenous therapies, including infusions. It will equip the learners with all of the essential knowledge required to care for a patient who requires to have a peripheral cannula inserted and monitored whilst receiving an intravenous infusion and/or intravenous therapies i.e. Antibiotics. The practical session will allow the learners to develop the appropriate skills for inserting and monitoring a peripheral cannula, as well as running an IV infusion as well as mixing IV additives

Assessment

Learners will complete a knowledge assessment at the end of the theory session, allowing them to evidence their understanding of the required criteria. The practical session will include simulated practice – formal assessment and final competency sign off will take place back in the work environment and is dependent on the organisational policy and procedures.

Learning Objectives

• Review the anatomy and physiology of the venous system and circulation
• List the equipment required when performing peripheral cannulation
• Explain the risks to the practitioner associated with healthcare sharps
• Summarise the key reasons for intravenous infusions
• Identify the potential hazards of intravenous therapy
• Interpret a prescription for IV fluids and calculate the flow rate or drip rates for running IV infusions
• Demonstrate correct and safe practices when drawing up IV therapies and administering medications
• Describe the considerations that you would take as a practitioner when applying the Mental Capacity Act