PICC line dressing change

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I have a case study that I'm nor too sure how to answer.

Mrs. S has a PICC line in place for antibiotic therapy. She has Timentin IVPB ordered q 8 hrs. She is saline locked at present. Her PICC line dressing is due to be changed this am. What would be the best time to change the drsg? I think it would be after infusing the antiobiotic becuase then you get assess the site closely afterward as you did the drsg change, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for feedback,

Melissa

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I would say "before" so you can assess the site, making sure it isn't exhibiting signs of infection, prior to utilizing it.

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I'm curious as to what the correct answer is to this. My first reaction was, when I have time to do it.

You can assess a site without doing a dressing change, and you absolutely would assess it prior to infusing the abx. So maybe a good time would be during the infusion so you could simultaneously assess the pt for reaction to the abx.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I'm curious as to what the correct answer is to this. My first reaction was, when I have time to do it.

You can assess a site without doing a dressing change, and you absolutely would assess it prior to infusing the abx. So maybe a good time would be during the infusion so you could simultaneously assess the pt for reaction to the abx.

PICCs are central lines. I don't think you'd see much of a medication reaction near the insertion site.

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PICCs are central lines. I don't think you'd see much of a medication reaction near the insertion site.

Not talking about a reaction at the site. I mean observe for a systemic reaction.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Not talking about a reaction at the site. I mean observe for a systemic reaction.

Well I hope we're doing that regardless of when we do the dressing change, but I see what you mean. From a logistical standpoint, it's killing two birds with one stone. I just don't know if the OP's case study actually factors in real world time management into the equation. Most case studies aren't so pragmatic. :p

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Well I hope we're doing that regardless of when we do the dressing change, but I see what you mean. From a logistical standpoint, it's killing two birds with one stone. I just don't know if the OP's case study actually factors in real world time management into the equation. Most case studies aren't so pragmatic. :p

Yes, time management is what I was going for - it's all I can think of. The case study is probably looking for something else, but I wish time management had been more emphasized in school. It's extremely important.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Before the drug is given. All the IV tubings need to be discarded and new tubings used for the ATB to be given. Get the tubes changed at the beginning of the day.

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Thanks for all of your help

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your picc line changes depend on your nursing practice manuals? weekly dressing changes or prn if wet/oozing? or otherwise. Out of interest what equiptment/wipes are you using for your dressing change. how up to date are your protocols? cheers:nurse:

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I'm curious as to what the correct answer is to this. My first reaction was, when I have time to do it.

This.

Spoken like a true nurse.

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Specializes in Infusion, Med/Surg/Tele, Outpatient.

Do it before. Don't forget to change the caps, measure the circumfrence and insertion length, and never saline lock a PICC. It needs to be heplocked.

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