PICC/Midline Discharge Information
For the First 24 hours:
1. You may feel tenderness and mild discomfort in your arm near the insertion site after the procedure.
2. It is important to rest your arm for 24 hours following the PICC/Midline insertion.
3. A small amount of bleeding on the PICC/Midline dressing is common during the first 24 hours.
4. Bruising is common with PICC/Midline insertions.
Caring for your Line:
1. Keep line clean:
a. Wash hands prior to touching PICC/Midline.
b. SCRUB the PICC/Midline connector site with alcohol for 15 seconds prior to attaching any flush or infusion.
c. Do not allow children, pets, family members to touch PICC/Midline.
2. You may write, drive, type on computer and perform daily personal hygiene using the PICC/Midline arm.
3. You may shower.
a. Cover the PICC/Midline insertion site with clear, plastic wrap and tape to keep the area clean and dry during showering.
4. Do not immerse line in water
5. No swimming
6. No tub baths
7. No hot baths
8. Avoid vigorous, repetitive movement-such as dusting, vacuuming, knitting, crocheting, weight lifting, golfing and bowling.
9. Avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds on PICC/Midline arm.
PICC/Midline Home Care
1. The Discharge Planner will make arrangements with the IV Home Care Infusion Agency before you go home.
2. Once you're home, the IV Home Care Infusion Agency nurse will care for your line.
3. You will learn from the IV Home Care Infusion Agency nurse how to manage the line.
4. Call the IV Home Care Infusion Agency or Doctor immediately for the following:
a. Pain
b. Fever> 100.9
c. Excessive bright red bleeding (soaking of the PICC/Midline bandage)
d. Warmth, redness or swelling along the arm of the PICC/Midline insertion site
e. Tear or break in the PICC/Midline catheter or tubing
f. The IV pump continues to alarm even after flushing the catheter
g. Any leakage of IV fluid from around the PICC/Midline insertion site
h. When you hear a double "Swoosh" sound in your ear upon flushing PICC/Midline