PICC Line Dressing change

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OK, I'm sure this has been discussed many times over somewhere in this forum, but I haven't been able to see any discussion to my specific concern.

I'm a "returning to the field" nurse after years of doing more "desk type" nursing.

Anyway, I'm starting to work with PICCs and having a hard time removing the dressing. I'm pulling from the outside and working inward all the way around, but when I finally get to the insertion site, I'm very worried about pulling the line out due to the stickiness of the dressing. What has everyone found as the best way to avoid this problem?

Thanks in advance

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What kind of dressing are you using?

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In this case, an Opsite. But I feel as though any dressing I'm concerned about doing the final removal from the line itself near the insertion area. I've tried using a sterile gauze to hold it in place, but then it gets stuck as well.

 

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Some of the dressings have an extremely sticky pad of CHG gel in the middle which is why I asked. At any rate loosen the dressing all around and then I usually stabilize the catheter at the insertion point with the  ring finger of the hand that's removing the dressing. Pull towards the insertion site stretching and kind of rolling the dressing while I do it. As long as you pull towards the insertion site you should be okay.

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Specializes in oncology.

Does rubbing alcohol help at all?  Just rub the pledjet (pad) around. It usually works, or at least it worked in my old days. 

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Insertion sit, Hold line with sterile glove and pull slowly away from insertion site in the direction the line is going.

sorry site

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2 hours ago, eileendg1989 said:

Insertion sit, Hold line with sterile glove and pull slowly away from insertion site in the direction the line is going.

sorry site

Absolutely incorrect. That is how lines get pulled out.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Look it up dude

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First, not a dude. Second, this is what I do for a living. 

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Proves nothing. Again this is what I do for a living. Have a nice day.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

If you say so.  All you prove is that you have a lot of time on your hands to spend posting.  You must've pulled out quite a few.  

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