Patient & Caregiver Education Flashcards

A patient with a PICC in the right arm asks about restrictions. Which instruction is correct?

Answer: Avoid blood pressure cuffs and heavy lifting with the PICC arm, but normal daily activity is encouraged

Patients should avoid BP measurements, tourniquets, and heavy lifting or repetitive strenuous activity on the PICC arm while maintaining normal mobility.

A caregiver reports that the external length of the PICC appears longer than the measurement recorded at discharge. What should the caregiver be taught to do?

Answer: Not push the catheter in, secure it, and contact the healthcare provider

Never re-advance a migrated catheter because it introduces contamination; the line must be assessed for tip position before use.

Why should patients be taught to use a 10 mL or larger diameter syringe when flushing a PICC?

Answer: Smaller syringes generate higher pressure that can rupture the catheter

Small-barrel syringes produce greater pressure per unit of force, increasing the risk of catheter rupture.

A patient with a PICC notices swelling of the arm, neck, and face on the side of the catheter. What does this most likely indicate?

Answer: Catheter-related deep vein thrombosis or venous obstruction

Unilateral arm, neck, or facial swelling suggests upper-extremity DVT or central venous obstruction and must be reported promptly.

Which flushing technique should be taught to caregivers to help reduce intraluminal occlusion?

Answer: Pulsatile (push-pause) flushing followed by the appropriate clamping sequence for the connector type

Push-pause flushing creates turbulence that clears the lumen, and correct clamping per connector type minimizes blood reflux.

A patient asks if they may shower with their PICC in place. What is the best response?

Answer: Yes, after covering the site and catheter with a waterproof cover to keep the dressing dry

Showering is permitted when the site and dressing are protected by an impermeable cover to prevent water exposure.

If a caregiver meets resistance while flushing a PICC at home, what should they be taught to do?

Answer: Stop, check for kinks or closed clamps, and call the provider if resistance persists

Forcing a flush against resistance risks rupture or embolism; check for mechanical causes and seek help if unresolved.