Our patient instructions include to keep affected arm elevated on a pillow and to avoid pulling self up in bed or doing any heavy lifting for the first 48 hours post PICC placement. Are these limitations required and, if so, where can I find evidence to support this? These activity limitations have led to patients missing needed physical therapy.
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
Tony West, RN, CRNI
Healix, Inc.
Cell: 214-674-4848
Tony West, RN, CRNI
Healix, Inc.
Cell: 214-674-4848
I go with Lynn here. I have seen significant phelebitis with repetitive movements.
1) Pitched softball game.
2) Nail tech-think of the back and forth filing motion.
So large or small motions have caused problems. The key being repetitive. Wish there was a magic formula but there is not.
No heavy lifting is good advice. I agree typical ADLs are acceptable.
Tony West, RN, CRNI
Healix, Inc.
Cell: 214-674-4848
Tony West, RN, CRNI
Healix, Inc.
Cell: 214-674-4848