Venous Access Devices (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
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.
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Central Venous Access »
The demand for long-term central venous access devices has risen over the past few decades.
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