PICC Fracture question

suzanne4, RN · Jul 5, 2005

Should be "A". Too much force can cause the line to crack..............

bobnurse · Jul 5, 2005

Catheter fracture results from accidental puncture from a suture during insertion, pinch-off syndrome or compression between the clavicle and first rib, and high pressure or forceful injection against resistance in the lumen. Activities such as backpacking or golfing have even been documented to cause catheter fracture. Fluid leakage will occur into the tissue closest to the problem and may or may not be seen externally

So "A" is correct

Jolie, BSN · Jul 5, 2005

Meeting resistance during flushing can fracture a PICC line, if one continues to flush despite meeting resistance.

Use of excessive force during removal can tear a PICC line. Is that considered a fracture?

Kalico · Jul 6, 2005

Thanks for all your help. My instructor says that the answer is "C", excessive force during removal. I thought it could have been "A" also but I guess it wasn't the best answer??? I don't know. I only have three days left in this summer session and then I start summer clinicals. Yeah!!!

suzanne4, RN · Jul 6, 2005

Excessive force can actually rip it into two pieces............that is why you always need to document the length of the catheter that you removed.

Shearing something into two pieces isn't a fracture, which is another word for break. I would still go with "A" unless your instructor can give you a much better reason, and I would love to hear it.