Nurse-Performed Point-Of-Care Ultrasound-guided Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Insertion: A Standardized...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Medical Ultrasound
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are crucial for long-term vascular access.
• Variability in PICC insertion techniques can lead to complications.
• Standardized protocols are needed to ensure safe and effective PICC placement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a standardized, evidence-informed nursing protocol for point-of-care ultrasound-guided PICC placement in adults.
• To provide a reproducible, step-by-step framework for trained nurses.
• To enhance clinical reasoning and technical execution during PICC insertion.

Main Methods:

• Development of a protocol based on the Indication-Acquisition-Interpretation-Nursing Decision-Making framework.
• Detailed procedural steps including ultrasound system preparation, patient positioning, and infection control.
• Inclusion of ultrasound-guided venipuncture using the modified Seldinger technique and post-insertion verification.

Main Results:

• The protocol standardizes ultrasound system preparation, patient positioning, and infection prevention.
• It details ultrasound-based vein assessment, real-time guided venipuncture, and catheter advancement.
• Key technical elements and nursing decision-making for catheter care are explicitly defined.

Conclusions:

• This protocol aims to reduce mechanical complications and improve procedural accuracy in PICC placement.
• It promotes patient safety and reduces clinical practice variability.
• Supports ultrasound-guided PICC placement as an advanced, evidence-based nursing intervention.