Q- What is Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter line (PICC line)?
A PICC line is a catheter that is inserted into a vein in your upper arm. The catheter is then advanced and positioned in a large vein in your chest just above the heart.
Q- Why do you have a PICC line?
A PICC line is placed for you to receive Intravenous (IV) medicine for a period of time. The PICC line will prevent you from having a needle inserted in a vein each time you need medicine. Medicine is less irritating when it is placed in a large vein.
Q- How do you care for your PICC line?
A healthcare provider will help care for your PICC line when you are at home. Apply a warm pack to the PICC line area for 30 minutes, every 2 hours for the first 24 hours.
Take ibuprofen 400 mg. three times a day with meals for the first 3 days or as directed by your doctor. This will help prevent inflammation and/or soreness. If you are allergic to ibuprofen your doctor may recommend Tylenol.
Keep the dressing dry and intact. Shower instead of taking a bath. Ask the nurse for an arm protector to keep your arm dry when you shower. Do not submerge your PICC line arm in the water. Do not swim or go in a hot tub with a PICC line.
Do not have blood drawn from the Groshong PICC line.
When your blood pressure is taken, use the arm without the PICC line.
Avoid activities with a lot of arm movement. Also, avoid heavy lifting over 2 to 5 kilograms. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Q-How do you clean the PICC line site and change the dressing?
You may go to an outpatient clinic or have a home healthcare nurse come to your home to change the dressing. The PICC line dressing is changed once a week and as needed. When the dressing is changed the stabilization/securement device and the clear covering to secure the PICC line and the end cap where the medicine is placed will also be changed once a week and as needed.
Q- How do you flush the PICC line?
If your PICC line is not used often the PICC line will need to be flushed regularly. Flushing the PICC line will help keep the line open and prevent clots. You will be instructed on how to flush the PICC line.
Groshong PICC line – If you have a Groshong PICC line the line will need to be flushed with 10 cc of saline. This is done before and after each use or weekly when not in use.
You may go to an outpatient clinic or have a home healthcare nurse come to your home to flush the PICC line.
Click here to watch a video on How to flush a PICC line.
Q- What can you do if the PICC line doesn’t flush?
If you are not able to flush the PICC line call your healthcare provider or home health nurse. Do not push the syringe against a resistance.
Q-How do you change the injection cap?
The injection cap is used to access the PICC line. This will need to be changed depending on how often your PICC line is used. You will be instructed on how to change the injection cap. You may go to an outpatient clinic or have a home healthcare nurse come to your home to change the injection cap.
Q- What are the signs to watch for?
Watch for these signs:
- Swelling, redness, red streaking, hot or hard area in PICC line arm
- Pain in PICC line arm
- Fever or chills
- Swelling of the hand, arm, and/ or neck on the same side as the PICC line.
- Leaking of fluid when you flush the catheter
Call your healthcare provider or PICC line care provider right away if you notice these signs or if you are worried or concerned.
To know more about the PICC line and IV antibiotics- Watch the below Video