Intravenous therapy: preparation and administration of IV medicines.

The aim of this article is to review the preparation and administration of intravenous (IV) therapy and to outline safe standards of practice. This article reviews the preparation for the procedure and then outlines actions for preparing--the patient, the practitioner, the environment and equipment, and then the medication--before describing the administration of any IV medication, whether via a bolus, intermittent or continuous route. A review of errors in IV therapy indicated calculation skill and a wide knowledge is required, while the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) (2010) highlighted omited and delayed medications as the second largest cause of medication incidents.

Infection control in IV therapy: a review of the chain of infection.

The aim of this article is to review the principles of infection control relating to intravenous (IV) therapy. IV therapy and peripheral IV cannulation are common procedures. Zingg and Pittet (2009) noted that as many as 80% of hospitalized patients will have a cannula in situ, and Hart (2008) suggested that patients who require IV therapy are often seriously ill and immunocompromised, thus are more susceptible to infection.

Venepuncture practice and the 2008 Nursing and Midwifery Council Code.

This article explores the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (2008) in relation to venepuncture and, through analysing each clause, will present key considerations for good practice. The skill of venepuncture is discussed and, using a scenario, will review the technique and the impact of the Code on the practitioner. Any clinical skill requires safe and competent practice; it is hoped that this article will aid practitioners involved in undertaking venepuncture to reflect on their skills and knowledge, and to review best practice.

Safe practice in intravenous medicines administration.

This article offers a practical guide on injecting medicines via the intravenous (IV) route, ensuring safe and effective practice. It considers the benefits of the IV route as well as possible hazards and complications. Through the assessment of risk, it outlines good practice standards.

Peripheral vascular access devices: risk prevention and management.

Intravenous therapy is a crucial and indispensable aspect of nursing practice in acute settings, and is expanding into community care. Peripheral venous cannulation is a common intervention and carries inherent risks to patients. This article explores preventative and risk-management aspects relating to peripherally-inserted cannulae, focusing on insertion, short- and longer-term risks.

Peripheral intravenous therapy: key risks and implications for practice.

Personnel, environment and procedures related to peripheral intravenous (IV) therapy are explained. Parenteral routes are suggested and, where peripheral IV therapy is required, recommendations are made to minimize risk of anaphylaxis and infection.

Peripheral intravenous cannulation and patient consent.

As nurses enhance their skills by taking on more tasks previously carried out by doctors, the need arises to be aware of consent. All nurses must have the capacity to ensure safe professional practice; consent is only one aspect of the enhanced role. The author reviews this issue through an exploration of peripheral intravenous cannulation.