A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a soft, flexible tube. It’s inserted into a vein in your arm. A PICC allows you to receive medications that could cause damage if given through one of the smaller veins in your arms. A PICC may also be placed when you need to receive therapy through your vein for several months or longer.
You’ll need to take good care of your PICC to help prevent problems like infections and a blocked catheter. To help, here are some safety tips you can review with your nurse.
Maintaining your PICC
Always make sure you’re working on a clean area when you care for your PICC. Wash your hands using the aseptic technique. Refer to your SASH Teaching Mat for more information.
Protect the site. Use tape to secure your catheter site (the area of the skin where your PICC is inserted). You should also cover the site with a sterile dressing. This helps prevent the tubing from snagging on objects and possibly tearing or pulling out.
Change your dressing. Your nurse will change the PICC dressing and the injection cap(s) at the end of your catheter at least once a week. In some cases, your nurse may teach you or your caregiver how to change dressing. Never use scissors to remove tape or dressing from around your site.
Flush your catheter. You and your caregiver will learn how to flush your PICC after each use and as instructed when it’s not being used. This helps keep your PICC line open so you can continue to receive the medication you need.
Keep the site dry. You may bathe or shower as long as the site is protected with a water-resistant covering. If the PICC dressing gets wet, change it right away. Call your nurse if you need any help or to replace the extra dressing you used.
What to watch for
Call 911 if you have signs of air in your PICC such as:
• Trouble breathing all of a sudden
• Cough or have pain in your chest neck or shoulder that doesn’t go away
• Feel dizzy or confused
Call your nurse right away if you:
• Feel pain or see redness, swelling or drainage on the skin around your PICC site
• Have a temperature greater than 100.4°F, notice sweating, body aches or chills
• Notice your catheter is hard to flush
• Notice leaking when you flush the catheter or infuse your treatment
• See more of the catheter outside your body than usual
We’re here to help make sure you feel confident about caring for your PICC. Call your Coram nurse with any questions or concerns.
Disclaimers:
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. Coram assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.
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