ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To increase awareness of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) fracture and necessary nursing assessment to identify development of nerve injury after removal of the PICC fracture. METHODS: This is a case review of a cancer patient with fractured PICC and the postoperative symptoms leading to nerve injury. RESULTS: The reason for PICC fracture is the fragility of silicon. Secondary surgical intervention of a PICC fragment resulted in nerve damage from a hematoma placing pressure on the median nerve in the arm. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to use power injectable polyurethane PICCs. It is vital to have a clear understanding of signs and symptoms of nerve impingement in the arm when monitoring a post-operative patient. Assessment of neurological status, circulation, swelling and patient complaints of pain are all necessary functions of the nurse in caring for this type of patient.
