Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

Peripherally inserted central catheter - PICC Name
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Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is often used for long periods and different purposes. It is usually inserted in the upper arm into a peripheral vein. It is ensured that the tip of the catheter ends in a vein near the heart at the chest (Intravenous, 2006). This is to ensure intravenous access. Its major entry point is the body`s periphery, in most cases the arm. The PICC is long and slender in nature to boost its flexibility. In addition it is approximately 50 centimeters in length. Nurses, radiologists and doctors are the ones who insert the PICC.
Process of inserting a PICC line- The catheter is only inserted after the nurse has x-rayed the patient`s chest. To begin with, the skin area is cleaned using an antiseptic to kill any possible germs. Secondly, the area for insertion is usually numbed for the purpose of reducing pain during the process. This is either done using an anesthetic injection or cream. A needle is inserted the removed and in the process, the PICC will the attached to a large vein that lead to the heart. A transparent dressing holds the PICC tightly (Hadaway et al., 2008). A second chest x-ray is done to affirm that the PICC is in the right spot in the body. Patients should be questioned on his medical history and the whole process explained to them to prevent panic. Other precautions during this process is the use of sterile equipment, the washing of hands, use of transparent dressing to cover he PICC and lubrication of the statlok securement apparatus with alcohol to aid in removal.
Possible problems encountered during the process- Locating a large vein to insert the PICC line can be hard in the event that the patient has small veins. Ultrasounds are usually performed to give out a pictorial view of the veins (Intravenous, 2006). This done by running a small device on the top on a patient`s arm. In other c...