INS rightly emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment and post-care of PICC Lines. Recommendations include routine checks of the entire infusion system for integrity, accuracy, identification of complications, and checking expiration dates.
Infusion Nurses Society Practice Recommendations*:
- Implement a postinsertion care bundle.
- Assess and discuss with the patient’s health care team the continuing need for the VAD daily.
- Assess the entire infusion system:
- Assess VAD patency.
4. Assess the VAD site inspection integrity of skin, dressing, and security device:
- Identify signs of complications
- Measure the external CVAD length at each dressing change.
5. Assess the integrity of the device in its entirety.
6. Change transparent semipermeable membrane (TSM) dressings at least every 7 days.
7. Perform dressing changes on VADs, Standard-ANTT or Surgical-ANTT
Maintaining a sterile dressing appropriate for the patient’s condition and preference is crucial to protect the site, create a microbial barrier, and ensure VAD securement. Additionally, adherence to Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) is mandatory during site care and dressing changes for VADs.
*For a complete list of recommendations refer to INS.
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Reference:
Gorski LA, Hadaway L, Hagle ME, et al. (2021). Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice 8th. INS. https://aspirus.org/Uploads/Public/Documents/Library/Infusion_Therapy_Standards_of_Practice,_8th.1.pdf