posted
Second day of a PICC and I forgot to lock the extension piece (just remembered). The PICC itself was auto locked I think but just the add on extension I forgot to clip / pinch the line to lock it after use. I don't have an extra one, nursing place is closed, etc - can I just unclip the extension from the PICC, flush it with saline, and then put back on to use? Anyone ever forget to pinch lock the extension? Thanks,
Posts: 69 | From NYC | Registered: Apr 2015
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posted
I have no idea .. hope someone shows up to help you!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Need to go to bed but you need help so quick... Easy fix. Flush PICC ASAP with saline & heparin, remember to clamp/ lock it this time as you finish last flush.
Night!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
Just close the clamp on the extension once you realize you have left it open. I have forgotten this as well and I have asked my nurse about this. He said it was okay. Just do your regular saline flush and routine tomorrow as you have been taught.
But I am new at this too, so Sammy's advice is probably good to do another saline flush! Good luck!
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
I was just thinking, is your PICC one with a valve? You said that it was "auto-locked" so that made me rethink my response.
If it is, the hospital might have mentioned that you do not need to clamp it. Clamping PICCs with valves kinda negates their effect and causes blood to reflux into the PICC sometimes.
So if you have an open, normal PICC then yes, you must always clamp to prevent blood reflux and clots.
For valved PICCs, best not to clamp. Tempting and hard to resist when you've got a clamp attached to your extension but best for your PICC.
Your PICC has writing/tiny print on it that identifies it if you are unsure or you can call the hospital where it was placed. They can tell you what is commonly used.
Mine is valved and I must resist temptation to clamp my extensions when I flush it. Just made me think of your question...
Sorry if it does not apply to you. Hope I didn't confuse.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Thank you! Its purple and says power picc on it so I think it has a valve. I flushed anyways to make sure it would be okay. Thanks,
Posts: 69 | From NYC | Registered: Apr 2015
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Sammy, does your statement apply also to hickman catheters? Do they have valves?
And how do you feel about putting caps on the end of the line? They are available, but I was under the impression that such things were not necessary. Something about negative pressure, or did I make that name up?
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
I don't want to mislead anyone. There are several different manufacturers of power PICCs and not all power PICCs have valves. Each hospital has there preferred device. So please refer to the information that the hospital gave you about the specifics and details of caring for your individual device.
You asked if there is a brand of Hickman catheter with valves on the end, I would assume so as they are such similar products.
Also, you asked about end caps. I highly recommend that you use and replace them with sterile technique once weekly. The most obvious reason why is that this closes the end openings. Without the caps, dust, dirt, all kinds of germs, hair, skin cells, lots of stuff can get stuck in the end openings.
You are right that some caps can cause a slight negative reflux. It is ideal to use a neutral one if possible. If your home health company only provides negative caps, you can compensate by using a "positive pressure flush technique".
Basically, you clamp the line WHILE you flush the last cc of saline or heparin. So the syringe plunger never quite meets the bottom, you clamp off first. This is what I do.
Hope that helps.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5355
posted
Yes, very helpful. Glad you are around and still posting. And that your home life improves, or is improving.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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