pic line on 3 week old

[Kayde]

We are using a pic line on a 3 week old receiving long term antibiotics. We received from a university hospital. Is pic dressing changes the same as adults? Also, my understanding is, it is a long pic line. How do you and who removes it? This is the first time I have seen this in an infant. Thanks for any replys.

[Tiki_Torch]

In my history of NICU nursing, either our Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or a few other nurses who were specially trained would change any PICC line dressings and only when there was a special reason to do so. Some babies had central lines (Broviac) which we staff nurses were trained to do dressing changes for every 7 days as a sterile procedure requiring two nurses to do together. Only MDs or Nurse Practitioners removed the PICC lines. (I worked in a Level III 26 bed NICU.)

I'd highly suggest contacting the University Hospital where the baby came from and asking them for their input on this situation. As the old saying goes, "If in doubt...don't". There is too much room for introducing infection and for opening up oneself for legal problems if you don't have documentation of what your responsibilities in caring for the baby's PICC line are and aren't. Along with the proper way to clean the port before entering it, changing caps, dressing changes, proper type and amount of flush, and correct assessment you may think of other things you need to ask the University Hospital so you can care correctly for your tiny patient. I'm sure they would be more than happy to help you!!!!

Good luck!!!