Radiology
Troubleshooting for Patients
| If the catheter breaks or is accidently cut... |
|---|
| Wash your hands, clamp the catheter and call your physician or home health nurse. |
| If the injection cap comes loose… |
| Wash your hands, clamp the catheter, remove the old cap, then clean the area with alcohol and place a new cap. |
| If the PICC site has redness, swelling, drainage, or tenderness, or you have a fever or other signs of infection… |
| Please contact your physician. |
| If there is fluid leaking at the insertion site… |
| Please contact your physician. |
| If the catheter is difficult to flush… |
| Please contact your physician or home health nurse. |
| If your PICC is accidentally pulled out… |
| DO NOT PANIC! Cover the site with a gauze and apply pressure until all bleeding stops. Apply a bandage and call your doctor. |
| When in doubt… |
| Please contact your physician or home health nurse. |
| You may contact the UCLA PICC Office at 310-267-9793 if you have any questions or concerns. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You may leave a message and your call will be returned within the same day. |