Welcome to the PICC Excellence comprehensive training program on the management of PICC complications. While PICC lines are the safest type of central venous access device available today, complications can and do still occur. Our goal with this program is to provide you with information on how to deal with these complications in the most efficient and effective manner possible. We will discuss some of the more common complications associated with PICCs, signs, symptoms, and information to help you identify these complications, teach how to treat each problem, and show you ways to prevent and avoid these complications. The most common potential complications associated with PICCs are:

• Phlebitis
• Infections
• Thrombosis
• Catheter Occlusions
• Catheter Migration/rupture
• Hemorrhage
• Nerve Injury
• Stuck Guidewire
• Arterial Access
• Inability to remove a PICC

We will discuss each of these complications on an individual basis providing a comprehensive review of each. Once you have completed this DVD/training manual, you will be required to take a post test to confirm your knowledge of PICC complications. You will be asked to identify the signs/symptoms of a complication, ways to prevent the complication, and what to do if the complication arises. The post test consists of 30 multiple choice questions. You will be required to answer 80% (24) of these questions correctly before you will receive your certificate in managing complications. After completing the test, simply mail the evaluation form and your test answer sheet to the address provided. Your certificate will then be mailed to you reflecting the 2 hours of continuing education. If you are taking this course online, simply complete the evaluation form at the end of the course. Then, you will be prompted to take the test online. Once you have completed the online test with a score of 80% or higher, you will be able to print a certificate showing your 2 hours of continuing education and your competence in managing complications. It’s that simple!