Non-elective removal of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter: cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter is an intravenous device that has become increasingly necessary due to its numerous benefits, especially for children. Objective: Describing the prevalence and causes of non-elective removals of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters inserted in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach, conducted in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, between January 2017 and December 2019. Data were obtained from the record book of catheters present in the study sector. Results: A high rate of non-elective removals of this catheter was observed in the studied years: 56.6%, 41.6% and 40%, respectively, highlighting, in all years, obstruction as the main complication that caused removal, followed by rupture and traction. Conclusions: Identifying the main complications and training the nursing team on preventive strategies are actions aimed at reducing this prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]