Intravenous Line and Tubes
Because most babies in the NICU are too small or sick to take milk
feedings, medications and fluids are often given through their veins or
arteries. Babies may also need frequent lab tests and measurements of
blood oxygen levels. There are several ways a baby may receive fluids and
medications and have blood drawn without additional needle sticks,
including the following:
- intravenous line (IV)
Babies may have an IV placed in a hand, foot, or scalp, where veins
are easily accessed. Tubing connects the IV to a bag containing fluids
that are carefully delivered with a pump.
- umbilical catheter
After the umbilical cord is cut at birth, newborn babies have the
short stumps of the cord remaining. Because the umbilical cord stump is
still connected to their blood and circulatory system, a catheter (small
flexible tube) can be inserted into one of the two arteries or the vein
of the umbilical cord. Medications, fluids, and blood can be given
through this catheter. After placement of the umbilical catheter, x-rays
are taken to check the location in the baby's body.
- percutaneous line
A catheter is placed in a deep vein or artery in the baby's arm and
is used for meeting a baby's longer-term needs than an IV in the hand or
scalp.
A baby may need IV lines or catheters for just a short time or for many
days. Once a baby is well enough to take milk feedings and is gaining
weight, IV lines can often be removed. Sometimes, an IV may be needed for
giving a baby antibiotics or other medication even when the baby can be
fed normally.
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