MEDICAL-SURGICAL
RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE
INTRAVENOUS THERAPY (IVT)
PREPARATION
Before preparing the infusion, the nurse first
verifies the following:
✓ Doctor’s order
✓ The type of solution
✓ The amount to be administered.
✓ The rate of flow or time over which the
infusion is to be completed.
✓ Identify client’s allergies (e.g., to tape or
povidone-iodine).
PURPOSES
1. To supply fluid when clients are unable to
take in an adequate volume of fluids by
mouth
2. To provide salts and other electrolytes
needed to maintain electrolyte balance
3. To provide glucose (dextrose), the main
fuel for metabolism
4. To provide water-soluble vitamins and
medications
5. To establish a lifeline for rapidly needed
medications
6. To provide parenteral nutrition
7. To provide avenue for dialysis/apheresis
8. To transfuse blood products
9. To provide avenue for hemodynamic
monitoring
10. To provide avenue for diagnostic testing
11. To administer fluids and medications with
the ability to rapidly/accurately change blood
concentration levels by either continuous,
intermittent or IV push method.
ASSESSMENT
1. Vital signs (pulse, respiratory rate, and
BP) for baseline data.
2. Allergy to latex (e.g., tourniquet), tape, or
iodine.
3. Bleeding tendencies.
4. Disease or injury to extremities.
5. Status of veins to determine appropriate
venipuncture site.
6. Shaving is not recommended because of
the possibility of nicking the skin and
subsequent infection.
NOTE: Avoid sites that have been used
recently.
RATIONALE: Recently used sites will be more
prone to complications and discomfort.
NOTE: Determine if the client is right- or left-
handed.
RATIONALE: Do not use the dominant hand if
possible.
PLANNING
Prior to initiating the IV infusion, consider the
following:
• Duration the client is likely to have the IV
• Type of fluids that will be infused.
• Medications the client will be receiving or
is likely to receive.
NOTE: These factors may affect the choice of
vein and catheter size.
