How serious is it when ...?

Question

An elderly patient rips out their picc line?

Answer 1

well a pic line is just to recive medication it's almost like an IV it just lasts longer I had one when I was sick and it took longer to put it in and when the nurse removed it she just pulled it out, so I dont think its a big problem since they just pull it out to remove it.

Answer 2

Since i don't know what it is, it's probably not that serious.

Answer 3

Serious hemorrhage is an outside possibility, especially if the person were on coumadin or other anticoagulant. Severe bruising at the site is also possible. Infection is another possibility. And of course, with the line ripped out, there is no iv access with which to administer medication. We assume the medication is vital since the patient had a peripherally inserted central catheter (picc).