Patient Education & Documentation Flashcards
7 cards from real PICC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Education & Documentation flashcards as text
A home care nurse is reinforcing PICC education for a patient with low health literacy. Which strategy is most effective?
Answer: Use simple language, visual aids, and repeated teach-back
Simple language, visuals, and teach-back are evidence-based strategies for patients with low health literacy.
What must a nurse document after each PICC dressing change?
Answer: Site assessment findings, dressing type used, lot numbers, and patient tolerance
Comprehensive dressing change documentation includes site assessment, supplies used, and patient response.
A patient reports that their PICC dressing has become wet and is peeling at the edges. What should the nurse document and teach?
Answer: The dressing must be changed immediately and the patient should always report compromised dressings
A wet or loose dressing compromises the sterile barrier and must be changed promptly to prevent infection.
When documenting catheter tip location after PICC placement, which is the acceptable confirmed position?
Answer: Lower third of the superior vena cava at the cavoatrial junction
The PICC tip should rest at the lower third of the SVC near the cavoatrial junction for optimal flow and reduced thrombosis risk.
A patient asks why nurses document each time they flush the PICC. What is the best response?
Answer: Documentation tracks catheter patency, confirms saline use, and supports infection surveillance
Flushing documentation supports assessment of catheter patency, verifies correct technique, and aids in infection surveillance.
Which of the following should be included when educating a patient about when to call their healthcare provider regarding their PICC?
Answer: Call for any fever over 100.4°F, site redness, swelling, pain, or inability to flush
Patients should be instructed to report fever, site changes, or flushing difficulty immediately as these may indicate infection or occlusion.
A nurse documents 'patient education deferred' on admission. What additional information is required?
Answer: The reason for deferral and a plan for when education will occur
Deferred education must include the clinical reason (e.g., sedation, acute distress) and a documented plan for completing it.