Question

71. A graduate nurse is reviewing the procedure for removing a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). With her preceptor, which planned action by the graduate nurse should the preceptor correct?

A. Measuring the length of the catheter and comparing it with the documented length of the inserted catheter.

B. Discarding the catheter in a trash container

C. Flushing the PICC with 0.9% sodium chloride before removing it.

D. Applying a dressing over the site and leaving it in place for 24 hours.

Answer 1

Peripherally inserted catheter is inserted in the upper arm to administer intravenous medications. Flushing the PICC with 0.9% sodium chloride before removing it prevent formation of clot will lead to mobilization of clots into the blood circulation. Discarding is done on the trash container to prevent cross infection.

The correct option is a) measuring the length of the catheter and comparing it with the documented length of the inserted catheter. This helps to identify any breakage in the PICC catheter. Catheter tip migration includes loss of blood return,discomfort in the upper arm.