Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters
What you should know
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters (Precare) Care Guide
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters
What you should know
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters (Precare) Care Guide
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters Aftercare Instructions
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters Discharge Care
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters Inpatient Care
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters And Midline Catheters Precare
- En Espanol
A catheter is a small tube used to give treatments and to take blood. The catheter is guided into place through a peripheral vein in your upper arm. Peripheral veins lead from your arms and legs to your heart. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is guided into a vein near the heart. A midline catheter is guided into a vein below the armpit.
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
- One or more attempts may be needed to place the catheter. The vein where your catheter is placed may become irritated, and your skin may get red, painful, and blister. When the catheter is put in, your vein may tear, or the catheter may injure a nerve. The area around your catheter may get infected, or you may get an infection in your bloodstream. Your catheter may get blocked, and caregivers may need to remove or replace it.
- The catheter may break, bend, or move out of place. The IV medicine may leak outside your vein and cause pain, swelling, or blisters. You can have bleeding, an allergy to heparin, or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT is a low number of blood platelets, which increases the risk of bleeding. You may get a blood clot in your arm. This can cause pain and swelling, and can stop blood from flowing where it needs to go in your body. The blood clot may break loose and travel to your lungs or brain. A blood clot in your lungs can cause chest pain and trouble breathing. A blood clot in your brain can cause a stroke. These problems can be life-threatening.
- If you do not have a catheter placed, you may need to get multiple needle sticks. It may be hard for caregivers to give you the treatment that you need. Your condition may get worse, or you may die. Contact your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about having a catheter placed.
Before your procedure:
- Tell caregivers if you are allergic to latex or have any other allergies. Tell them if you had radiation or surgery on your chest, or any problems with a PICC or midline catheter.
- You may need treatment for medical problems, such as an infection or a bleeding condition. Your caregiver may use an ultrasound to find your veins. He will also make sure the veins are healthy enough for a catheter. Write down the date, time, and location of each test.
The day of your procedure:
- Write down the correct date, time, and location of your 