What must be verified prior to the use of a PICC line?

What must be verified prior to the use of a PICC line?

• A. Administering incompatible medications
• B. Placement must be verified by chest X-ray (CXR)
• C. The catheter length
• D. Patient's consent

Answer: (B)

Before using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line, it is essential to verify the placement through a chest X-ray (CXR). This imaging confirms that the catheter tip is in the appropriate position within the superior vena cava, which is crucial for ensuring safe and effective administration of medications and infusions. Proper placement reduces the risk of complications such as catheter misplacement, which could lead to inadvertent vascular injury or inadequate therapy. While the other options pertain to important aspects of patient care or medication administration, they do not specifically address the critical need to confirm catheter placement. Administering incompatible medications and the catheter's length are related to the management and use of the device but do not take precedence over the initial verification of its correct position. Patient consent is a fundamental ethical consideration in medical procedures but does not directly pertain to the immediate safety and functionality of the PICC line itself before its use. Therefore, verifying placement via a chest X-ray is the most critical action prior to using a PICC line.

Before using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line, it is essential to verify the placement through a chest X-ray (CXR). This imaging confirms that the catheter tip is in the appropriate position within the superior vena cava, which is crucial for ensuring safe and effective administration of medications and infusions. Proper placement reduces the risk of complications such as catheter misplacement, which could lead to inadvertent vascular injury or inadequate therapy.

While the other options pertain to important aspects of patient care or medication administration, they do not specifically address the critical need to confirm catheter placement. Administering incompatible medications and the catheter's length are related to the management and use of the device but do not take precedence over the initial verification of its correct position. Patient consent is a fundamental ethical consideration in medical procedures but does not directly pertain to the immediate safety and functionality of the PICC line itself before its use. Therefore, verifying placement via a chest X-ray is the most critical action prior to using a PICC line.