Troubleshooting Long Lines and PICC’s Problem …

Troubleshooting Long Lines and PICC's

Problem

Possible Cause

What to Do

PHLEBITIS (Irritation of vein) Irritating medications given Call your nurse or Chartwell.

Redness at insertion site

through the catheter

Red line following the course Irritation from the IV catheter

She/he may give you telephone instructions or make arrangements to have

of the vein

Bacteria/infection

the site evaluated.

Pain/feeling of warmth at the insertion site or along the course of the vein

Apply a warm, moist towel for 20 minutes, 4 times a day. Keep arm elevated on a pillow.

(This may occur anywhere between the insertion site and the catheter tip location)

INFILTRATION (Fluid running Dislodged IV catheter into the tissue rather than the vein)

Swelling while flushing

Swelling while medication is infusing

Call your nurse or Chartwell. She/he may give you telephone instructions or make arrangements to have the swelling evaluated.

Coolness or blanching of your skin

(This may occur anywhere between the insertion site and the catheter tip location.)

INFECTION Fever, chills, sweating Tenderness or redness at exit

site Drainage at the site

Possible catheter infection

Possible infection from other causes

Call your nurse or Chartwell if you notice any of these symptoms.

If pus or drainage is noted, observe the color and odor.

LEAKING AND/OR BLOOD VISIBLE IN IV CATHETER

Connections are loose or disconnected

Increased activity or exertion

Stop the infusion

Check the Safsite? and tubing connections. Tighten and/or change if necessary.

Flush IV with saline

If the problem persists, call your nurse or Chartwell.

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Troubleshooting Long Lines and PICC's

Problem

Possible Cause

What to Do

RESISTANCE TO CATHETER FLUSHING

MEDICATION WILL NOT RUN OR RUNS SLOWLY

Clamped catheter or tubing Bag is spiked incorrectly Tubing is kinked Infiltration

(Dislodged catheter)

DAMAGED IV CATHETER

Break or puncture of the IV catheter

SUDDEN SHORTNESS OF Catheter damage

BREATH, COUGHING AND CHEST PAIN

Improper priming of IV tubing

(POSSIBLE AIR EMBOLISM) Large amount of air entering

the body

Check to see that the IV catheter clamp is open.

Check solution bag and spike connection.

Check the height of the bag. (If not using a pump)

Check to be sure tubing is not clamped or kinked.

Try changing the position of your arm.

Stop the infusion.

Flush your IV catheter with saline (sterile water or dextrose if instructed); attempt to restart the infusion.

Do not force the solution in.

If the problem persists, call your nurse or Chartwell.

Clamp IV catheter between the damaged site and your arm.

Call your nurse or Chartwell IMMEDIATELY.

Clamp your IV

Lie on you left side with your head down.

Phone for emergency assistance, 911 or your local medical emergency number.

Notify your doctor after emergency care.

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