During PICC removal with sterile gloves and mask, what instruction is given to the patient regarding head position?

During PICC removal with sterile gloves and mask, what instruction is given to the patient regarding head position?

• A. Turn the head to the other side.
• B. Turn the head toward the same side as the insertion.
• C. Keep the head straight and do not move.
• D. Tilt the head backward.

Answer: (A)

Turn the head away from the arm with the PICC. This position keeps the catheter’s path aligned as it’s withdrawn, reducing tension or bending on the line and making removal smoother. It also helps you easily access the insertion site to apply pressure and monitor for bleeding afterward. Turning the head toward the insertion side or keeping the head in a neutral/tilted-back position can increase catheter tension or kink the line, making removal harder and potentially increasing discomfort or risk of dislodgement.

Turn the head away from the arm with the PICC. This position keeps the catheter’s path aligned as it’s withdrawn, reducing tension or bending on the line and making removal smoother. It also helps you easily access the insertion site to apply pressure and monitor for bleeding afterward. Turning the head toward the insertion side or keeping the head in a neutral/tilted-back position can increase catheter tension or kink the line, making removal harder and potentially increasing discomfort or risk of dislodgement.