Walgreens-OptionCare > Infusion > Treatment FAQ
Common questions about infusion treatment
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I’m hooked up to an IV. Can the needle in my arm break off?
How often should my IV be replaced?
What is the difference between a PICC line and a midline?
How do I know which catheter line is best for me?
Is it normal for my elbow to feel stiff and sore the day after I have a PICC inserted?
How do I dispose of my used syringes and IV bags?
Blood is backing up in my IV line. What should I do?
What kind of activities can I do with the arm that has the PICC line in it?
I'm hooked up to an IV. Can the needle in my arm break off?
Most likely, your IV does not have a needle left in it. You may have noticed a needle when you first got hooked up to your IV. The IV catheter is a flexible plastic tube that contains a needle to allow it to pierce the skin. Once the catheter is inserted, the needle is then removed and discarded while the soft catheter stays in the vein. As a matter of fact, the word intravenous means "in the vein."
How often should my IV be replaced?
If you have a peripheral IV (usually an IV that is three inches or shorter), it should be changed every three to seven days and at the first sign of any complications such as redness, pain, or discharge. Other catheters, such as midline and PICCs, can remain for longer periods.
What is the difference between a PICC line and a midline?
The main differences between a PICC line and a midline are the length of the lines and the duration the catheters can stay in the vein (referred to as "dwell time"). A midline is three to eight inches long and the tip lies in the upper arm ending before the shoulder. This type of catheter is generally used for therapies lasting two to four weeks such as antibiotic therapy.
A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is also inserted in the upper arm but its tip goes past the shoulder and stops just outside the heart. The dwell time for a PICC is longer than the dwell time for a midline. PICCs can stay in the patient for a year or more, as long as there are no complications with the insertion site or the catheter. A PICC line requires a chest X-ray after insertion to make sure that the tip is in the correct place. PICCs are commonly used for TPN (total parenteral nutrition), chemotherapy, and any other therapies lasting longer than four weeks.
How do I know which catheter line is best for me?
Your doctor will take into account several factors, including:
- The length of your prescribed therapy
- Your lifestyle and daily activities
- Whether or not you care if others see the catheter line
- Any existing wounds, burns, or rashes you might have on your arms or chest
Discuss any concerns you might have about IV therapy with your doctor or nurse. Patients sometimes have misconceptions or fears that can be cleared up, making the start of IV therapy less stressful.
Is it normal for my elbow to feel stiff and sore the day after I have a PICC inserted?
Yes, this is normal. Many patients experience soreness in the bend of their arm a day or two after a PICC or midline is inserted. Some patients also get some slight bruising. These side effects are temporary and can be relieved by a mild anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (providing your doctor approves it).
You can also apply moist heat to the area three or four times a day until the soreness or bruising subsides. The easiest method for doing this is to wet a washcloth or dishtowel with hot water, lightly squeeze excess water, and place the towel in a sealable plastic bag (e.g., Ziploc® bag). This prevents your dressing from getting wet and makes it easy to reheat the towel in the microwave for a few seconds. (Always use caution when microwaving, as the towel can heat up quickly.)
If your symptoms persist beyond two days, notify the nurse who inserted your catheter or your home care provider.
How do I dispose of my used syringes and IV bags?
Your nurse should tell you how to properly dispose your syringes, IV bags, and any other medical waste at the initiation of your IV therapy. The instructions you are given will depend on what kind of medication you are receiving, whether you are using needles, and local and state laws. It is important to handle and dispose of syringes and other medical waste safely to prevent injury and disease transmission. Never leave needles or syringes where someone can hurt themselves.
Blood is backing up in my IV line. What should I do?
First, try flushing your IV as you have been instructed to do after administering a medication dose. For example, if you flush your IV with 5 cc of saline after your dose and then 5 cc of heparin, you should flush with another 5 cc of heparin. Or, if you only flush with 5 cc of saline, then flush with saline again. If repeating the flush does not remove the blood from the line, contact your home care provider.
What kind of activities can I do with the arm that has the PICC line in it?
As long as you don't move the arm in a rough or repetitive manner, you can use your arm and go about most daily activities. It is actually good for you to regularly move the arm. Moving the arm helps increase the circulation and "carry" the medicine through your bloodstream. Moving the arm also prevents blood and other fluids from collecting around the IV site. Strenuous activities, however, should be avoided. These include heavy lifting, snow shoveling, golf, tennis, vacuuming, and other strenuous household work.
Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.