What is the Full form of PICC?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Explanation

PICC is an acronym that stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter.
This name accurately describes the device: it is inserted into a 'peripheral' vein (usually in the arm).
The catheter is long and is advanced until its tip is located in a large 'central' vein near the heart, making it a 'central catheter'.
This placement allows for long-term administration of IV fluids, medications (like chemotherapy or antibiotics), and parenteral nutrition.

Option B: The word 'Perform' is a verb and does not fit the context of a medical device acronym. The 'P' in PICC refers to the anatomical location of insertion.
Option C: While a PICC line is inserted 'percutaneously' (through the skin), this term is too general. Many vascular access devices are inserted percutaneously. The defining characteristic of a PICC line is its 'peripheral' insertion site, which distinguishes it from other central lines inserted in the neck or chest.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct full form is provided in Option A.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The full form and fundamental concept of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are primarily responsible for the care and maintenance of PICC lines, which includes sterile dressing changes, flushing to maintain patency, and monitoring for complications.
Key complications a nurse must monitor for include infection (local or systemic), thrombosis (blood clot), phlebitis (vein inflammation), and catheter occlusion or migration.
Patient education is a critical nursing role. The nurse must teach the patient and family how to care for the line at home and to recognize and report signs of complications immediately.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a common medical acronym.
First, break down the acronym: P-I-C-C.
Analyze the options to see which words correspond to the letters.
The 'CC' almost certainly stands for 'Central Catheter', a common term.
The 'P' refers to the insertion site. The image confirms the insertion is in a peripheral location (the arm). Therefore, 'Peripherally' is the most logical choice.
Evaluate the distractors: 'Perform' is nonsensical in this context. 'Percutaneous' is a general term for any through-the-skin procedure and not specific enough for the 'P' in PICC.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The full form and fundamental concept of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC).
Stem keywords: Full form, PICC
Lead-in keywords: What is

QAkE7lOS44OLA7zUvW5wUC

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 796-798

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 106-108

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 5 p. 207-209

Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.