DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) ALREADY
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What is the purpose of a PICC? Ans✓✓✓To administer short or long
term continuous or intermittent infusion solutions, such as
antineoplastics, vesicants, TPN or known irritants, a variety of
antibiotics and any medication with a *pH of less than 5 or greater than
9* and *osmolarity of greater than 900 mOsm/L*.
How often should the needle free connector on the PICC be changed?
Ans✓✓✓Every 7 days, or if removed for any reason, or cannot be
flushed clear post blood draw or if contamination is suspected.
How often should the tubing for a PICC be changed for *continuous
infusions*? Ans✓✓✓Primary and secondary lines every 96 hours (4
days)
How often should the tubing for a PICC be changed for *intermittent
infusions*? Ans✓✓✓Primary and secondary lines every 24 hours (daily)
What measurement of the external segment of a PICC requires a chest x-
ray to reconfirm tip placement prior to use? Ans✓✓✓An outward
movement of *5cm or more (in adults)* and *1cm or more (in
children)*.
What can be administered through a PICC? Ans✓✓✓Fluids &
electrolytes, medication, calories and blood/blood products
,What should be done if the PICC migrates *inward* and is an x-ray
required to reconfirm its placement? Ans✓✓✓It should be pulled back
to its original segment, an x-ray to reconfirm placement is NOT
required.
How often should a transparent PICC dressing be changed?
Ans✓✓✓Every 7 days and immediately if loose, wet or soiled.
How often should a gauze PICC dressing be changed? Ans✓✓✓Every 2
days and immediately if loose, wet or soiled.
How often should PICC securement devices (stat lock) be changed?
Ans✓✓✓They must be changed with dressing change.
How often are non-valved PICCs flushed? Ans✓✓✓Every 24 hrs or
with each home visit
What information is recorded on the care plan for a PICC?
Ans✓✓✓Date inserted, insertion site, type of PICC, tip position,
external segment in cm, inserted length in cm, number of lumens, is it
power injectable.
Which leukocyte & lab value suggests and allergic reaction?
Ans✓✓✓Eosinophils between 5 and 15%
, Continous infusion Ans✓✓✓The infusion of IV solution at a constant-
rate, may also be the primary infusion
Intermittent infusion Ans✓✓✓The administration of IV medications at a
prescribed interval
Primary infusion Ans✓✓✓The main IV solution set up for delivery of
IV fluids or for maintaining vascular access during intermittent infusions
Secondary infusion (Piggyback) Ans✓✓✓An IV solution or medication
attached to the main set that is initiated concurrently or intermittently
with the primary infusion, most common method to administer IV
medications
Bolus Ans✓✓✓A concentrated medication/solution given over a short
period of time; may be given via an infusion set or IV direct. Reference
the appropriate IV monograph for the specified time frame over which to
administer the medication or solution
IV Direct Ans✓✓✓The administration of a medication via syringe over
a specific period of time (greater than 1 minute)
IV Push Ans✓✓✓The rapid administration of a bolus of medication via
syringe