If resistance is met while withdrawing a PICC line, what is the recommended action?

• A. Continue withdrawing slowly.
• B. Stop and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Apply more force to complete removal.
• D. Ignore the resistance and proceed.

Answer: (B)

When a PICC line meets resistance during withdrawal, something may be snagging the catheter or a blockage is present. The safe move is to stop the attempt and notify the healthcare provider. Forcing removal can cause the catheter to break, leave fragments inside a vein, or injure the vessel, which might lead to embolization or infection. The provider will assess the situation, possibly with imaging or a guided removal plan, to retrieve the line safely. Continuing to pull with more force or ignoring the resistance could cause serious harm, so the prudent action is to pause and seek professional guidance.