Question

Getting blood through PICC. what would require intervention?

- discards 1 ml of blood before obtaining sample
- uses 10 ml syringe to flush through port of the cath
- applies clean gloves to beginning the procedure
- uses push pause technique to flush cath

Answer 1

In handling a PICC to obtain a blood sample, discarding 1 ml of blood, using a 10 ml syringe to flush, and the push-pause technique are all appropriate actions, whereas the use of sterile gloves is necessary to prevent infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to proper procedures for handling a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) for obtaining a blood sample.

Among the actions mentioned, discarding 1 ml of blood before taking the sample is standard protocol to ensure that the sample is not contaminated by residual fluid in the line. Using a 10 ml syringe to flush the line is recommended over smaller syringes, as the lower pressure reduces the risk of damaging the catheter.

The push-pause technique helps maintain catheter patency and reduces the chances of clot formation. Thus, none of the described actions require intervention as they are all appropriate for maintaining PICC line integrity and preventing infections.

However, it is critical that sterile gloves, rather than just clean gloves, should be used during any invasive procedures, including manipulating a PICC line, to prevent infection. Not using sterile gloves could introduce pathogens and would require intervention to maintain patient safety.