PICC PICC Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution

Question 1

A nurse attempts to flush a PICC line and encounters resistance. What is the FIRST action the nurse should take?

Accepted Answer

Assess for catheter kinking or positional changes

Answer

Forcefully flush with a 10 mL syringe

Answer

Immediately remove the PICC line

Answer

Instill a thrombolytic agent

Question 2

Which syringe size is recommended when flushing a PICC line to avoid generating excessive pressure that could damage the catheter?

Accepted Answer

10 mL syringe

Answer

1 mL syringe

Answer

3 mL syringe

Answer

60 mL syringe

Question 3

A patient's PICC line is infusing but blood cannot be aspirated. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Fibrin tail or fibrin sheath formation

Answer

Complete catheter occlusion

Answer

Air embolism

Answer

Catheter fracture

Question 4

Alteplase (tPA) is ordered to restore patency in an occluded PICC. What is the standard dwell time before attempting aspiration?

Accepted Answer

30–60 minutes

Answer

5–10 minutes

Answer

2–4 hours

Answer

Overnight (8–12 hours)

Question 5

A nurse notices that the external length of a patient's PICC has increased by 3 cm since insertion. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The PICC has migrated outward and tip position must be verified

Answer

Normal catheter migration during activity

Answer

The catheter needs immediate removal

Answer

Air embolism has occurred

Question 6

Which intervention is appropriate when a PICC line leaks at the insertion site during infusion?

Accepted Answer

Stop infusion and assess for catheter damage or dislodgement

Answer

Apply a pressure dressing and continue infusion

Answer

Increase infusion rate to overcome leakage

Answer

Aspirate through the line and restart infusion