picc line
Procedures
Instructed patient / caregiver for minimizing problems associated with PICC lines, guidelines include: Always wash hands before touching the PICC line, do not allow any sharp objects near the line, do not clean the skin near the line with any acetone containing cleanser.
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.
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 assess PICC line site, line note any leakage from catheter or around the site.
Note any redness, drainage or pain at the site.
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 maintaining a clean and dry dressing is paramount to a continued well functioning PICC line.
Instructed patient / caregiver the arm with the PICC line must not be babied. Normal use, in fact increases blood circulation in that arm.
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.
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.
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.