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What should I do if I become allergic to tape?
There are other choices of hypoallergenic tapes that can be used. It is important to
be aware of any skin problems near the insertion site because the danger of infection
increases if there is skin irritation.
Should I wear a medical alert type bracelet or have some other information
available regarding my catheter?
It would be a very good idea to wear something to alert others that you have a
peripherally inserted central venous catheter. If you were in an accident or became
ill and couldn’t give this type of information yourself, the bracelet could be lifesaving
by informing emergency personnel that you have a catheter. There are commercial
companies that have medical alert bracelets or you may want to ask for a hospital type
plastic waterproof I.D. band as a temporary measure. Another option is the catheter
Maintenance/I.D. card given to you by your nurse or physician. Place the card in your
wallet and carry it with you at all times.
Should someone else learn the procedures?
Most people can not change a PICC dressing by themselves. Having another person
available who has been trained in all of the necessary procedures is important. The
most important thing is that someone else knows how to do emergency procedures.
I’ve heard that some chemicals can hurt the catheter. Is this true?
Some chemicals can damage the catheter. It is important not to use anything near the
catheter unless you check with your doctor or nurse. Acetone, such as that found in nail
polish remover or some tape removers, is especially harmful and should not be used.
How long can the catheter stay in place?
Your doctor is the best source for this answer. The catheter is designed to stay in place
for long periods of time, but each patient situation is unique. The answer depends
on what the catheter is used for, your general health, and the care and attention paid
to the procedures. The better care you take of your catheter, the longer you may be
without complications.
Comments and/or changes as recommended by your nurse or physician.
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“YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”
Quiz
Answer the following questions by circling T for true or F for false.
The answers are below.
1. If there is a break in the catheter, the first thing that I should do is call the doctor.
T F
2. If the cap becomes loose, it should be tightened immediately.
T F
3. If the cap falls off, replace it immediately.
T F
4. “Site Care” must be done between 9 and 10 a.m.
T F
5. It is okay to use more force during the flush procedure to get the flow going.
T F
6. I can jog or do other activities as long as it is okay with my doctor or nurse.
T F
7. To prevent contamination, I should keep the catheter under my clothing and not
disturb it between flushes.
T F
8. During the dressing change, if I notice that the catheter has come out a little bit, I
should push it back in.
T F
Answers
1. False. The first thing to do is to bend the catheter back on itself and secure with a
rubber band or tape, then call the doctor or nurse.
2.
True.
3. False. The cap needs to be replaced but with a sterile cap. If the same cap is
reapplied there is an increased risk of infection. Follow the full procedure for cap
change.
4. False. You can do “site care” at 3 a.m. if you wish, as long as you do it on a regular
basis and are alert enough to do the procedure carefully.
5. False. You may dislodge a blood clot or rupture the catheter which is dangerous. If
you have difficulty flushing, stop the procedure and call your doctor or nurse.
6.
True. The catheter should not interfere with your normal activity as long as you get
permission for the activity from your doctor or nurse.
7. False. You should periodically look at the catheter, especially if long periods of time
elapse between flushes. This is especially true for the period of time immediately
following the insertion of the catheter.
8. False. You should call your doctor or nurse. Never try to re-insert the catheter. This
may lead to an infection.
Comments and/or changes as recommended by your nurse or physician.
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