Nursing best practices for the comprehensive management of peripherally inserted central catheters in adults: assessment and selection

Samanta Sánchez-Ramírez, Clínica de Terapia de Infusión Intravascular, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Gilberto Hernández-Córdova, Clínica de Terapia de Infusión Intravascular, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Alejandra Cortés-Hernández, Clínica de Terapia de Infusión Intravascular, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Mauricio M. Palma-de la Cruz, Clínica de Terapia de Infusión Intravascular, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
Juan P. Ramírez-Hinojosa, Subdirección de Epidemiología e Infectología, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México

The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a safe and effective alternative for the administration of medium- and long-term intravenous therapies. However, the occurrence of complications associated with its use remains a challenge for healthcare services. Therefore, comprehensive patient assessment, appropriate device selection, and the implementation of evidence-based nursing practices are essential to optimize clinical outcomes and enhance patient safety. The objective was to synthesize the available scientific evidence on best nursing practices for the comprehensive management of PICCs in adults, with a focus on recommendations for clinical practice during patient assessment and device selection. A narrative literature review was conducted through a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and SciELO, complemented by the consultation of clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents from international scientific organizations. Publications in English and Spanish involving adult populations were included, with priority given to evidence published between 2016 and 2026. The identified evidence highlights that comprehensive clinical assessment and individualized evaluation are fundamental for appropriate PICC selection and the prevention of complications. The use of ultrasound, ongoing education and training, protocol standardization, and specialized vascular access teams contribute to improving the quality, safety, and success of intravenous therapy. This paper constitutes the first part of a three-part series of reviews on the comprehensive management of PICCs in adults.

Keywords: Peripherally inserted central catheter. PICC. Nursing. Vascular access. Infusion therapy.