Picking up the Cause of the Stroke

A 62-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes was transferred to a tertiary care center from a community hospital for persistent abdominal pain and the inability to tolerate oral feedings. Before transfer, the patient underwent peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement for IV pain medications, IV fluids, and parenteral nutrition. An entry chest radiograph showed the PICC was located in a persistent left-sided superior vena cava. The tertiary physicians assumed the PICC was safe to use, and the patient began receiving nutrition and fluids through the line.
Source: AORN Journal - Category: Nursing Tags: Column Source Type: research