Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who has a PICC line in the right arm. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

A. Use a 10 mL syringe to flush the PICC line.
B. Apply gentle force if resistance is met during injection.
C. Cleanse ports with alcohol for 15 seconds prior to use.
D. Maintain a transparent dressing over the insertion site.
E. Flush with 10 mL heparin before and after medication administration.

Answer 1

The correct interventions for a client with a PICC line include using a 10 mL syringe to flush the line, cleaning ports with alcohol for 15 seconds, and maintaining a transparent dressing over the site. Force should not be used if resistance is met, and flushing protocols may vary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves determining the appropriate nursing interventions for a client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line). After reviewing the options provided, the correct interventions that should be included in the care plan for a client with a PICC line would be:

• Use of a 10 mL syringe to flush the PICC line, as smaller syringes can create too much pressure and potentially damage the catheter.
• Ports should be cleansed with alcohol for 15 seconds prior to use to prevent infections.
• Maintenance of a transparent dressing over the insertion site to allow for regular inspection while keeping the area sterile.

The interventions to avoid would include applying gentle force if resistance is met during injection, as this could lead to displacement or damage to the catheter, and flushing with 10 mL heparin before and after medication administration, which is not a standard practice with all PICC lines, as protocols can vary based on the healthcare facility's policies or the type of PICC line used.