PICC line in school

[jrs66]

I am a school nurse. One of y kindergarten students has a PICC line and some of the staff is a little anxious about it, especially the gym teacher.

One of the questions I got was is there a chance that something will happen that will cause blood to be sprayed "all over"? If his line becomes dislodged how fast do they have to get the clamp in place?, etc. Any suggestions and stats I could use to calm their anxieties?

[bobnurse]

Well blood wont be "sprayed", its in a vein, not an artery.

If it becomes disloged "pulled out", just put pressure to the site, ensure the catheter is intact. You probably wont know it, so keep the catheter to be inspected for its integrity. The biggest problem with it being pulled out if a fracture and catheter embolis, but thats rare. For the most part, as long as the catheter is secure, she's ok and can do most activities kids do. No swimming. One thing to do is to get some netting, or a stocking dressing and put it over the picc.....It prevents it from snagging on anything.

But overall, if her picc gets pulled, it is extremely rare that its a life threatening event. The biggest problem lies with it have to be replaced.

So calm your fears. Her picc line manufacturer probably makes a patient guide. Get a copy of it and give it to the teachers. It has all the good info your asking about. Im sure her parents have it, ask them to make a copy of it.