What is a key objective of patient education before IV therapy?

• A. To ensure patient signs consent after the procedure.
• B. To explain only the benefits of IV therapy.
• C. To teach patient how to assemble IV equipment.
• D. To inform the patient about the procedure, potential risks and signs of complications, and to obtain informed consent.

Answer: (D)

Before IV therapy, the aim of patient education is to help the patient understand what will happen, the potential risks, how to recognize problems, and to obtain informed consent. This means clearly describing the procedure, why it’s needed, possible complications (such as infiltration, phlebitis, infection, or allergic reactions), and the signs to watch for that would require medical attention. It also reinforces that the patient has the right to accept or decline the treatment and to ask questions, ensuring they consent with full understanding.

That’s why the best choice includes informing the patient about the procedure, potential risks and signs of complications, and obtaining informed consent. The other options miss key parts: consent should be obtained before the procedure, education isn’t limited to benefits, and teaching how to assemble IV equipment isn’t typically the core objective of patient education before IV therapy.