When to Seek Medical Care

Call or visit a health care provider right away if a central venous access device is inserted and any of the following symptoms occur:

• Swelling of an arm or the area around the device
  
  
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
  
  
• Redness, pain, or tenderness around the device
  
  
• Redness or tenderness along the vein in the upper arm (especially if it is a PICC line)
  
  
• Unexplained fever
  
  
• Device malfunction
  
  
• Pain with injection/infusion into the device
  
  
• Difficulties with concentration, memory, reasoning, or staying awake (mental status changes)
  
  
• Excessive tiredness
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss

Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department in any of the following circumstances:

• Inability to reach the health care provider
  
  
• Symptoms worsening or new symptoms appearing

In particular, shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden changes in mental status may indicate a dire emergency, and the person with the venous access device should go to an emergency department immediately.