skin care
PICC Line
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 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 if you has a problem trouble flushing the PICC, unable to give medicines or fluid into catheter Unclamp it (if clamp is present). Remove the kink, if the catheter is not kinked or clamped, do not force the solution into the tube. Call the home care nurse to report the problem
Instructed patient The arm with the PICC is at risk for developing blood clots (thrombosis). This is a serious complication. To help prevent it: As much as possible, use the arm with the PICC in it for normal daily activities. Lack of movement can lead to blood clots, so it’s important to move your arm as you normally would. Your health care team may suggest light arm exercises.
Instructed patient the arm with the PICC is at risk for developing blood clots (thrombosis). This is a serious complication. To help prevent it avoid any activities that cause discomfort in your arm. Talk to your health care team if you have concerns about pain or range of motion.Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds with the affected arm. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep clots from forming.
Instructed patient When to seek medical care: Call your provider right away if you have any of the following: Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg, Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, chills, signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging), Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Instructed patient What are some of the benefits of the care wear PICC line cover. The PICC line cover is antimicrobial.
It is machine washable and can be machine dried with the rest of the laundry. The PICC line cover has a unique mesh
window that allows for air to get into the dressing which is required for the dressing to be fully functional.
PICC line removal Education provided on site care following PICC line removal: positioning, keep dressing clean, dry and intact 24 hrs, do not lift over 5 lbs, report immediately S&S complications to on call RN: fever; chills;redness at site, swelling or purulent drainage at site, bruising or bleeding at site, increased shortness of breath.