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LIVING WITH YOUR PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER
LIVING WITH YOUR PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETERTRANSCRIPTA peripherally inserted central catheter can be used for several weeks to months, ifit is kept clean, infection-free and in good working order. To ensure it stays workingsafely, here are some things to keep in mind.Do not use the arm your PICC line is in to check your blood pressure, or to have blooddrawn with a regular needle.Do not get your PICC line wet. Cover it with a plastic wrap when showering. Do not goswimming or take a tub bath while you have a PICC line.Avoid contact sports. Wear loose clothing that does not rub or pull on your line.And let all of your healthcare providers – including your dentist – know you have aPICC line before any appointments.Every day, check your catheter for signs of infection. Look for increased pain; swelling,warmth or redness at the area; red streaks leading from your insertion site; or blooddraining from the site. If you notice any of these signs, or if you develop a fever, youmay have an infection that needs to be treated immediately.All solutions and medications should go through your catheter easily. Never forcesolution through the tube. If you ever have trouble flushing the tube or pushingmedication through the tube, contact your healthcare provider.Never push or reposition the PICC line if you think it is coming out. Call yourhealthcare provider. If you notice a leak in your PICC line, contact your healthcareprovider.And if you have trouble breathing; have a fast or irregular pulse; notice swelling inyour head, neck, shoulder or arm; feel chest pain; or notice a lot of bleeding; call 911immediately. These can be signs of a serious complication. Get help right away.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_gn_10200_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
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