We are having a debate and looking for feedback on placing a PICC in regards to how close, below the Axilla, is it safe to place a PICC. Is it acceptable to place a PICC 1 cm just below the axilla?
We are having a debate and looking for feedback on placing a PICC in regards to how close, below the Axilla, is it safe to place a PICC. Is it acceptable to place a PICC 1 cm just below the axilla?
First, I do not place PICCs but as the nurse doing the dressing change I would not be happy placing a dressing in the axcilla area. Second, the chances for infection would be even higher that close to the axilla and would warrent the use of a product with 70% IPA that stays in place when not in use. Just my thoughts. Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC
The PICC insertion site should not be anywhere near the axilla. The skin in this area is wet skin, the same as the skin in the groin. Wet skin is documented to have more numbers and types of organisms. The insertion site should be on the dry skin of the extremity which would be about midway the length of the upper extremity. The other type of skin is oily on the neck, back and upper chest. Dry skin has the lowest number and type of skin organisms. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861