PICC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PICC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How is phlebitis managed? → Remove catheter and apply warm compress
2. When conducting a risk assessment for PICC operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
3. Which regulatory requirement is UNIVERSAL across all Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse practice settings? → Maintaining current certification and continuing education
4. A nurse attempts to flush a PICC line and encounters resistance. What is the FIRST action the nurse should take? → Assess for catheter kinking or positional changes
5. Why use ultrasound during insertion? → Visualize and guide vein access
6. What anatomical landmark is used for measuring catheter length? → From insertion site to SVC
7. Which factor MOST significantly affects the quality of technical outcomes in PICC practice? → The practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
8. What tool helps monitor line complications? → Nursing checklists
9. Which vein is least ideal for PICC? → Cephalic vein
10. A PICC dressing change reveals the catheter has advanced 2 cm further into the insertion site. What action is required? → Do not advance the catheter back — notify the provider and verify tip position
11. A nurse is administering vancomycin via PICC and the patient develops flushing, erythema of the neck, and hypotension. This presentation is consistent with: → Red man syndrome due to rapid infusion rate
12. When troubleshooting a sluggish PICC infusion, the nurse elevates the patient's arm and the flow improves. This suggests what cause? → Positional occlusion due to catheter tip location
13. What document tracks line performance? → PICC care records
14. A nurse accidentally cuts a PICC catheter during a dressing change. What is the priority intervention? → Clamp the catheter above the cut immediately and notify the provider
15. What must be documented after insertion? → Insertion date and method
16. What to do if catheter dislodges? → Stop infusion and notify provider
17. During troubleshooting of a non-functional PICC, a chest X-ray reveals the catheter tip has migrated to the internal jugular vein. What is the correct response? → Stop using the catheter and notify the provider for repositioning
18. What is the PRIMARY reason for regulatory compliance in the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse profession? → To protect public safety, ensure quality, and maintain professional integrity
19. Which concentration of heparin is recommended by ISMP for PICC flush solutions in adult patients to reduce the risk of medication errors? → 10 units/mL
20. Which assessment method provides the MOST reliable data for PICC professionals making critical decisions? → Standardized tools combined with professional observation
21. What role does calibration play in maintaining technical accuracy for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse professionals? → It ensures instruments produce accurate, consistent results over time
22. A patient's PICC-administered heparin infusion must be interrupted for a procedure. What is the correct nursing action before stopping the infusion? → Flush with normal saline and lock per protocol before and after interruption
23. What is the minimum recommended saline flush volume for a PICC after each use per INS guidelines? → 10 mL
24. The optimal PICC tip position in an adult patient is at: → The cavoatrial junction (CAJ) or lower third of the SVC
25. Which approach is MOST important for PICC professionals when applying technical procedures? → Adhering to established protocols while adapting to specific conditions
26. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL PICC certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
27. What is the BEST way for a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Certified Nurse professional to stay current with regulatory changes? → Monitor regulatory bodies, attend CE, and participate in professional associations
28. Before using a PICC with a power injector for a contrast CT scan, the nurse must verify which of the following? → The catheter or hub is labeled 'CT Injectable' or 'Power Injectable' by the manufacturer
29. What is the MOST important factor when selecting assessment tools for PICC certification work? → Validity, reliability, and appropriateness for the specific context
30. A patient's PICC line is infusing but blood cannot be aspirated. What is the most likely cause? → Fibrin tail or fibrin sheath formation