Central Venous Catheters
This paper is all about peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and central venous catheters. There are different types of catheters and they are used in different situations. If they are to be used properly, they must be maintained and cared for. If they are not maintained there are several adverse side effects that could be life threatening. Along with providing all this information, this paper will also instruct how to initiate a peripherally inserted central catheter and how to correctly execute a dressing change. Peripheral and Central Venous Catheters A catheter is a hollow tube that is used to either transfer fluids out or into the body (Dictionary.com, 2015). A peripherally inserted central catheter and a central venous
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The line is then threaded through that vein, up the arm, until it reaches the vena cava of the heart. This purpose is so that whatever is being inserting into the line can make it into the bloodstream as quickly as possible. A PICC line can be used for several different reasons. Typically they are used to administer medications, intravenous fluids, and blood transfusions. They are also utilized if the patient needs a blood sample or draw, or if they can’t eat. The health care team administers liquid fluids through the line to help the client meet their nutritional needs. PICC lines are good for clients who do not like being poked with needles. It’s also helpful if the nurse or doctor has trouble getting needles into the patient’s vein. PICC lines can be used for week or even months, allowing the patient to go home with them (Macmillan, …show more content…
Gently the client will attempt to flush the line. If they are met with resistance, they should not force it. They will need to check the tubing to make sure it is unclamped and there are no blockages. If the resistance continues the client will have to call their provider. If the push is successful the client should push 1/3 of the saline in, pause, inject another 1/3, pause, and inject the last amount of saline. After the last push the client needs to clamp the line back off. They will unhook the syringe, throw it away, and attach the new disinfection cap to the lumen. These steps will need to be followed for each lumen. After the flush is complete the client will need to throw away their gloves and wash their hands again (Memorial
The line is then threaded through that vein, up the arm, until it reaches the vena cava of the heart. This purpose is so that whatever is being inserting into the line can make it into the bloodstream as quickly as possible. A PICC line can be used for several different reasons. Typically they are used to administer medications, intravenous fluids, and blood transfusions. They are also utilized if the patient needs a blood sample or draw, or if they can’t eat. The health care team administers liquid fluids through the line to help the client meet their nutritional needs. PICC lines are good for clients who do not like being poked with needles. It’s also helpful if the nurse or doctor has trouble getting needles into the patient’s vein. PICC lines can be used for week or even months, allowing the patient to go home with them (Macmillan, …show more content…
Gently the client will attempt to flush the line. If they are met with resistance, they should not force it. They will need to check the tubing to make sure it is unclamped and there are no blockages. If the resistance continues the client will have to call their provider. If the push is successful the client should push 1/3 of the saline in, pause, inject another 1/3, pause, and inject the last amount of saline. After the last push the client needs to clamp the line back off. They will unhook the syringe, throw it away, and attach the new disinfection cap to the lumen. These steps will need to be followed for each lumen. After the flush is complete the client will need to throw away their gloves and wash their hands again (Memorial