What condition could occur if proper management of a PICC line is not maintained?

What condition could occur if proper management of a PICC line is not maintained?

• A. Pneumothorax
• B. Thrombosis
• C. Ventilation failure
• D. Cardiac arrest

Answer: (B)

Improper management of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line can lead to thrombosis, which is the formation of a blood clot within the vein where the PICC is inserted. This condition can occur due to several factors associated with inadequate care, such as not regularly flushing the line, failing to maintain aseptic techniques, or not monitoring the site for signs of infection or irritation. When blood flow is hindered, thrombosis can impede the delivery of medication and fluids, potentially leading to complications like swelling, pain, or even more severe issues like embolism if a clot dislodges. While pneumothorax, ventilation failure, and cardiac arrest are serious conditions, they are not typically associated with the management of a PICC line. Pneumothorax is more relevant to procedures involving central line placements through the chest, while ventilation failure and cardiac arrest are systemic complications that can arise from various acute conditions but aren’t specifically linked to the management of a PICC. Thus, thrombosis stands out as the significant potential complication related to inadequate care of a PICC line.

Improper management of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line can lead to thrombosis, which is the formation of a blood clot within the vein where the PICC is inserted. This condition can occur due to several factors associated with inadequate care, such as not regularly flushing the line, failing to maintain aseptic techniques, or not monitoring the site for signs of infection or irritation. When blood flow is hindered, thrombosis can impede the delivery of medication and fluids, potentially leading to complications like swelling, pain, or even more severe issues like embolism if a clot dislodges.

While pneumothorax, ventilation failure, and cardiac arrest are serious conditions, they are not typically associated with the management of a PICC line. Pneumothorax is more relevant to procedures involving central line placements through the chest, while ventilation failure and cardiac arrest are systemic complications that can arise from various acute conditions but aren’t specifically linked to the management of a PICC. Thus, thrombosis stands out as the significant potential complication related to inadequate care of a PICC line.