Who this course is for
Nurses and licensed clinical staff reviewing this area of vascular access practice.
Review within your professional scope and facility policy. Procedural practice requires appropriate clinical supervision and separate competency validation.
What you'll learn
- Recognize and grade common VAD complications
- Manage infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and occlusion
- Respond to CRBSI, thrombosis, and emergent complications
About the course
A two-part deep dive into recognizing, grading, and managing the full range of vascular access complications — from infiltration and phlebitis to CRBSI, thrombosis, and the rare emergencies.
Try an actual lesson excerpt.
No sign-up or payment required. The preview also links to available sample study materials.
Read the Free PreviewYour course curriculum
5 included modules. Open the sections below to review their topics.
-
PIV315: Complications with Vascular Access Devices – Part 1
Recognize, assess, and manage infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and occlusion complications. Learn grading scales, antidotes for vesicant injuries, and immediate intervention strategies to protect patient safety.
-
PIV320: Complications with Vascular Access Devices – Part 2
Master advanced VAD complications including CRBSI, thrombosis, pinch-off syndrome, and catheter fracture. Learn prevention strategies and emergency response for arterial puncture, nerve injury, pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade.
-
PIV360: VAD-Related Complications: Recognition and Management
Identify, assess, and manage common VAD complications including thrombosis, phlebitis, CLABSI, air embolism, and mechanical failures using systematic assessment and evidence-based interventions.
-
PIV450: Identification and Prevention of Complications (PIV)
Identify and prevent major PIV complications: phlebitis (mechanical/chemical/bacterial; VIP scale), infiltration/extravasation (grading, antidotes), catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), thrombophlebitis, nerve injury, hematoma, catheter/air embolism, and occlusion. Understand risk factors
-
PICC115: PICC Complications and Management
Master recognition and management of PICC-related complications including DVT, occlusion, and catheter malposition. Learn evidence-based interventions for optimal patient outcomes.
Meet the curriculum team
VAC Clinical Education Team
Vascular Access & Consulting
Course lessons include learning objectives and knowledge assessments. Preview the material to see whether the teaching fits your needs.
About VAC Education →Your certificate and clinical next steps
Passing the required module assessments earns a certificate of completion. Online completion does not independently validate hands-on procedural competency or grant a professional license or specialty board certification.
CE approval has not yet been obtained. This course does not award accredited nursing contact hours. References to professional standards describe the educational content, not endorsement or accreditation.
Before you enroll
Comparing learning paths? Our PICC, IV therapy, and midline education guide explains the differences and links to related courses.
How long will it take?
This course contains 5 modules. Work at your own pace; completion time depends on your experience and how much review you need.
What do I receive?
Access to the modules listed above, their lessons and knowledge checks, available study guides and worksheets, and module completion certificates after passing. Clinical supervision and in-person competency sign-off are separate.
How do I get access after payment?
After payment is confirmed, your course opens on this browser. Save the access code on your confirmation page to return on another device. Use the same checkout email when restoring your purchase.
Can I enroll a team or ask a purchase question?
Request facility training information, or contact VAC about course suitability, access, or purchase terms before paying.