Skilled nurse remove PICC,line per doctor order, the catheter tip should also be examined and there is no breakage at the end, no S/S of infections noted. Skilled nurse applied at the insertion site with sterile gauze to prevent bleeding which and when the bleeding stops, the gauze is removed and a sterile dressing is applied. Instructed patient the dressing should remain for approximately 24 hours. After this time, the site should be assessed and a new dressing applied if needed. Patient understand the instructions given.
Skilled nurse performed PICC line dressing change , prepare to change your dressing in a sterile (very clean) way , Remove the dressing and check patient's skin, clean the area and catheter, place a new dressing, Tape the catheter to secure it and write down the date you changed your dressing.
Instructed patient how prevent infections: rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Make sure to rub the front and back of each hand up to the wrist, your fingers and fingernails, between the fingers, and each thumb. Rinse your hands with warm water. Dry your hands completely with a new, unused paper towel. Don’t use a cloth towel or other reusable towel. These can harbor germs.
Instructed patient always clean your hands before and after you come in contact with any part of the PICC line. Your caregivers, family members, and any visitors should use good hand hygiene, too. Instructed patient keep the PICC dry. The catheter and dressing must stay dry.
Instructed patient / caregiver if the catheter breaks, whether bleeding does or does not occur, do not panic. Using sterile gauze, apply sufficient pressure at the site so it is tightly and well covered and immediately report this to the physician. Maintain pressure on the site at all times.
Instructed patient / caregiver that if the catheter breaks, whether bleeding does or does not occur, do not panic. Using sterile gauze, apply sufficient pressure at the site so it is tightly and well covered and immediately report this to the physician. Maintain pressure on the site at all times.
Instructed patient catheters that present resistance to flushing and aspiration may be partially or completely occluded. Do not flush against resistance. If the lumen will neither flush nor aspirate and it has been determined that the catheter is occluded with blood, a declotting procedure per nurse may be appropriate.
Instructed patient Home care nurses will teach you and help you become comfortable with the procedures before you do them yourself. These are the special things that need to be done preventing infection, flushing the PICC line, giving the medicine, solving problems, knowing when and who to call for help.
Instructed patient maintaining a clean and dry dressing is paramount to a continued well functioning PICC line.
Instructed patient / caregiver keep the insertion site and dressing dry, do not go swimming as swimming pools not only harbor bacteria but a wet dressing is an ideal medium for bacterial growth, do not allow pets or young children to play with the PICC line.