Instructed patient caregiver knowledge of maintenance and care of PICC lines insures long term use. Problems, detected early, greatly decrease any complications that might be associated with this line.
Instructed patient what should you know about caring for your midline catheter: Loop extra tubing: If you have long tubing attached to your catheter, loosely loop the tubing together, and secure it with tape. This will help prevent the PICC or midline catheter from being pulled out of your arm by accident.
Instructed patient check your skin where the catheter enters it every day. Look for signs of infection and other problems. Instructed patient call your health care provider if you: Have bleeding, redness or swelling at the PICC line or Midline site, have pain near the site or in your arm, have signs of infection (fever, chills), are short of breath.
Instructed patient flush PICC line after and before the procedure, resistance to flushing may indicate partial or complete catheter occlusion. Do not proceed with power injection study until occlusion has been cleared.
Instructed patient if you have Fever, chills, tenderness, redness, or pus at the catheter site, Swollen arm, Check your child’s temperature and call the doctor right away.
Instructed patient it is very important to prevent infection, which might require removal of the PICC line. The nurse will show you how to keep your supplies sterile, so no germs will enter the catheter and cause an infection.
Instructed patient if you have fever, chills, tenderness, redness, or pus at the catheter site or swollen arm,check your child’s temperature, and all the doctor right away.
Instructed patient watch for signs of problems. Pay attention to how much of the catheter sticks out from your skin. If this changes at all, let your health care provider know. Also watch for cracks, leaks, or other damage. And if the dressing becomes dirty, loose, or wet, change it or call your health care team right away.
Instructed patient how prevent infections: To wash your hands with soap and water: Wet your hands with warm water, avoid hot water, which can cause skin irritation when you wash your hands often. Apply enough soap to cover the entire surface of your hands, including your fingers.
Instructed patient watch for signs of problems. Pay attention to how much of the catheter sticks out from your skin. If this changes at all, let your healthcare provider know. Also watch for cracks, leaks, or other damage. And if the dressing becomes dirty, loose, or wet, change it (if you have been instructed to) or call your healthcare team right away.