What is the best solution when you have found the cap off of one lumen of a triple lumen PICC? The catheter is non-valved; the clamp was clamped. The PICC is used for intermittent dosing of an antibiotic. The nurse caring for the patient assessed the PICC at the beginning of the shift, and everything was intact. Hours later, when she went to administer the medication she found the lumen "capless." This patient has smoking priviledges. My concern is that the patient goes outside for the smoke break, and despite having a sleeve over the PICC, the PICC is exposed.
The supervisor told the nurse to wipe the lumen with alcohol, put a new cap on the port of the lumen, and label the lumen with tape that states, "Do not use."
The nurse and supervisor asked my opinion of the situation (d/t my many years of critical care experience). I suggested to the supervisor to call the infusion nurse at the pharmacy. I looked in the policy book, but there was nothing that addressed the problem. I haven't been to work since this occurrence, but I am very concerned for this patient (resident).
