MODULE INTRODUCTION

Starting and maintaining safe and effective intravenous therapy in children presents unique challenges to the clinician. Most of the basic principles of administering I.V. solutions and medications are the same with children and adults, but there are special nursing skills and knowledge necessary to safeguard the child undergoing I.V. therapy. This program focuses on safe, effective administration of I.V. therapy for the neonate to adolescent patient.

To complete this course, you must do the following:

1. Read the Overview and Course Objectives.
2. Study the Terminology.
3. Read the course material.
4. Complete the Learning Activity.
5. Complete the Post Test with a score of 80% or more.

OVERVIEW

"Safer Infusion Therapy: Pediatrics" is organized around the following categories:

• Healthcare assessment
• I.V. site selection for pediatric I.V. therapy
• Equipment used for pediatrics
• Initiation of venipuncture
• Monitoring the pediatric I.V. catheter and I.V. site
• Discontinuing pediatric I.V. therapy

PURPOSE/OVERALL GOAL

This educational activity demonstrates techniques and procedures used to initiate and provide infusion therapy to pediatric patients.

MODULE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, the learner should be able to:

• Assess the physical and developmental level of a pediatric patient
• Identify appropriate sites for placement of an I.V. catheter
• Describe equipment used for pediatric I.V. therapy
• Describe venipuncture procedures in a pediatric patient
• Describe steps to take that help prevent fluid volume overload in a pediatric patient
• Describe procedures necessary to monitor an I.V. catheter and I.V. site in a pediatric patient
• Describe the procedure for discontinuing pediatric I.V. therapy

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