picc
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.
Instructed patient / caregiver blood pressure readings in the arm cannulated with the PICC should be avoided.
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.
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.
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 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 t 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.
SN instructed patient if PICC line accidentally comes out place a sterile gauze pad on the site and press firmly until the bleeding has stopped ( 2 o 5 minutes ), after the bleeding stops, apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage snugly, then call your nurse or doctor