Line Insertion & Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real PICC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Line Insertion & Maintenance flashcards as text
Which landmark is used to estimate PICC insertion length before catheter placement?
Answer: Insertion site to the sternal notch to the third intercostal space
Measuring from the insertion site to the sternal notch and then down to the third intercostal space approximates the distance to the cavoatrial junction.
The maximum dwell time for a PICC is determined primarily by:
Answer: Ongoing clinical need, absence of complications, and device functionality
INS guidelines state PICCs should remain in place only as long as clinically indicated; routine replacement on a fixed schedule is not recommended.
Trimming a PICC catheter to the correct length BEFORE insertion is important because:
Answer: PICCs cannot be shortened after placement without increasing infection risk
Cutting a PICC after insertion exposes the internal lumen to contaminants and compromises catheter integrity.
Which solution is recommended for routine PICC lumen flushing in adult patients per INS standards?
Answer: 0.9% sodium chloride
Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) is the recommended flush solution for most PICC lumens; heparin is not routinely required.
During PICC insertion using the modified Seldinger technique, after the guidewire is advanced, the next step is to:
Answer: Remove the needle while holding the guidewire in place
The needle is carefully withdrawn while maintaining guidewire position so the dilator and catheter can be threaded over the wire.
A power-injectable PICC is distinguished from a standard PICC primarily by:
Answer: A blue-colored catheter hub and higher pressure rating (≥300 psi)
Power-injectable PICCs are rated for contrast injection at high flow rates and are identified by purple or specific color-coded hubs and 'CT Power Injectable' labeling.
A patient's PICC was placed 5 days ago and the nurse observes 2 cm of external catheter that was not present on the previous shift's documentation. This most likely indicates:
Answer: Catheter migration outward (tip retraction)
An increase in external catheter length means the tip has retracted proximally, potentially out of the SVC, and requires radiographic confirmation before use.