A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is a type of catheter, which is usually inserted through the upper arm. On the basis of medical regulations, only a health professional can determine when a patient's PICC is safe to withdraw. PICC removal is a quick procedure that should only be performed by an experienced doctor or nurse.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Removing the Catheter
Step 1. Understand that only nurses and physicists should remove the PICC tube
Be aware that only doctors and nurses registered to treat patients may remove the PICC tube. Otherwise, serious complications or infection may occur.
Therefore, you should only do this if you are registered as a doctor or nurse. Patients should use this article as an article source only
Step 2. Wash your hands
Before you begin the procedure or touch the equipment needed to remove the PICC tube, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and put on a new pair of sterile gloves. This will reduce the patient's chances of getting an infection.
Step 3. Prepare equipment for removing the catheter
Before removing the PICC hose, prepare all the equipment that will be used during the procedure, so you can use it easily.
- The equipment includes a pair of sterile scissors, several pieces of occlusive cloth, sewing scissors, sterile packs and cotton swabs soaked in betadine solution.
- Arrange them systematically near the patient's bed before starting the procedure, so they will be easy to pick up.
Step 4. Explain the process of removing the PICC tube to the patient
Explain the process of removing the PICC tube to the patient to build trust and cooperation. Be prepared to answer any questions about the procedure the patient may ask.
Step 5. Position the patient in the correct position
Before you start the procedure, ask the patient to position himself properly. They should lie straight with their back down, facing up, with their entire limbs lying on the bed. This is known as the supine position.
Make sure the patient is lying on a clean mattress, with clean sheets. This will help the patient become more comfortable and avoid infection
Step 6. Clean the area of skin around the catheter
Take a cotton swab that has been soaked in betadine solution and clean the area around the PICC hose. Start from the skin closest to the outside of the catheter.
- This is an important step, as it will wash away any bacteria on the surface of the skin, reducing the risk of infection.
- When you have cleaned the skin, turn off the infusion set and prepare the sutures for immediate use in the following procedure.
Step 7. Remove the catheter
Using sewing scissors, carefully cut and remove the seam holding the PICC hose in place. Ask the patient to hold their breath, then, using your dominant hand, gently pull the catheter out. Do not apply any pressure to the catheter inlet.
- When the catheter is removed, immediately cover the catheter inlet with sterile gauze and hold it in place by applying slight pressure.
- Ask the patient to hold their breath while you cover the area with the occlusive cloth. When this is done, allow the patient to breathe normally and return to a position that is comfortable for him or her.
Step 8. Monitor the patient's condition for 24 to 48 hours
After removing the PICC tube, monitor the patient's condition for 24 to 8 hours. Watch the patient for signs of infection, such as fever. Also, see if there is any bleeding or difficulty breathing in the patient.
The cloth should remain in place for 24 to 72 hours, depending on how long the catheter has been in place
Part 2 of 2: Helping the Healing Process
Step 1. Inform the patient about the complications that may arise when the PICC tube is removed
There are several complications that can occur when the PICC tube is removed. It is very important to make the patient aware of these complications before the extraction procedure is performed. Possible complications include:
- Damage to the PICC hose. This is a common complication of PICC tube removal. To avoid complications, the tube should be removed slowly without too much pressure.
- Infection. This is another complication that patients using PICC can experience. Infection can occur at any time. Therefore, it is best to monitor the PICC hose regularly and keep it as clean as possible.
- Embolism and catheter fracture. This is a serious complication when the PICC tube is removed that can render the patient unconscious if the blood clot reaches the brain.
- Swelling and redness. These symptoms can also result from complications of the PICC tube. Swelling and redness usually appear around the catheter insertion site.
Step 2. Tell the patient the correct dose of pain medication
After removing the catheter, the patient may feel pain in the upper arm. As a result, the patient may physically have to use pain medication to carry out his daily activities.
- one of the most common OTC pain relievers during PICC tube removal is ibuprofen. Ibuproden is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has antipyretic and analgesic properties.
- The recommended dose of ibuprofen (according to the Centers for Disease Control) is 200-00 mg, taken every 4 to 6 hours. It is recommended to take ibuprofen with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
Step 3. Inform patients about what sports they should avoid
Be sure to tell patients that they should avoid strenuous activities or lifting weights for at least 24 hours after removal of the PICC tube. This includes moving furniture, heavy boxes or engaging in activities that involve hand movement.
Step 4. Teach the patient about good nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for healing, which is why it is a good idea to teach patients what types of food they should eat after the procedure.
- They should eat a lot of foods that contain iron to increase blood supply and strengthen the body. Iron-rich foods include red meat, chicken, spinach, broccoli, shellfish, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and nuts such as peanuts, pecans, pistachios and almonds.
- If the patient is losing weight, they have to eat a lot of calories like smoothies and milkshakes, which are full of nutrients, vitamins and pure sugars that will help them gain weight in a healthy way.
- Instead of eating three large meals a day, teach the patient to eat smaller meals as often as possible throughout the day. This will help them gain more energy.
