Maybe I missed it but I do not see the recommendation to measure the arm circumference of a patient with a PICC line, baseline or otherwise. Hope I can remove from our policy but want to make sure that I didn't miss it.
Chris Thomas
Cleveland
Maybe I missed it but I do not see the recommendation to measure the arm circumference of a patient with a PICC line, baseline or otherwise. Hope I can remove from our policy but want to make sure that I didn't miss it.
Chris Thomas
Cleveland
You are correct - no evidence for it! Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Chris: Why would you want to remove it? I think having a baseline is important it the patient c/o discomfort or swelling...then we can see by measurement comparison. I dont see measurements, either, but i measure the circumference at the insertion site. That way I know it is being measured on a routine basis in the same spot each time. Am I missing your point?
Kimberly DuBore, RN, BSN
PICC Chick and Imaging Nurse
Several practitioners have stopped this practice for the reason Lynn stated. No evidence that increased circumference indicates a
DVT. It is good that you establish a specific point for measurement as so many people will measure in different locations. I have been called about increased circumferences and each and every one of them indicated everything but a DVT. ie: generalized edema, measurement at wrong area, etc. I just evaluated by the symptoms of pain, localized edema of the arm, etc. I just, personally, have not found it helpful.
Chris