Instructed patient when skin redness where the tape or dressing was the nurse may need to change the dressing size or the type of tape or dressing used. Call home care nurse.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 how prevent infections: rub your hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Make sure to rub the front and back of each hand up to the wrist, your fingers and fingernails, between the fingers, and each thumb. Rinse your hands with warm water. Dry your hands completely with a new, unused paper towel. Don’t use a cloth towel or other reusable towel. These can harbor germs.
