picc line
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.
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.
Instructed patient call your health hare provider immediately if you have: pain, fever, a large amount of bright red bleeding and also if you have: warmth, redness, or swelling along the arm or PICC line insertion site. A tear or break in the PICC line catheter or tubing.
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 If the PICC gets damaged, it won't work right and could raise your chance of infection. Call your healthcare team right away if any damage occurs. To protect the PICC at home.
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.