NICU Babies
Vascular Access
Complications
Nexus TKO
Mystery
1

Premature babies often cannot feed orally. What type of nutrition do they rely on?

What is Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?

1

What does “PICC” stand for?

What is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter?

1

A “clogged straw” inside a catheter is better known as this complication.

What is an occlusion?

1
This is what TKO stands for.

What is "To Keep Open". 

1

NeoMed rep who is Taylor Swift's biggest fan?

Who is Allison Payne

2

Name two critical reasons why NICU babies need IV access besides nutrition.

What are medication delivery and blood draws/monitoring?

2

These veins are extremely small—often only 1–2 millimeters wide.

What are neonatal veins?

2

What does CLABSI stand for?

What is Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection?

2

TKO is normally in this position until infusion pressure is applied. 

What is "closed".

2

Sports team Suzanne was on in college. 

What is surf team? 

3

This type of line is placed in the belly button shortly after birth.

What is a UVC or UAC?

3

Why are NICU veins especially fragile?

They have thin walls and can tear or collapse easily.

3

The cost of a CLABSI.

What is $30,000-$50,000/patient. 

3

Reflux leads to this costly and dangerous outcome requiring line replacement.

What is catheter occlusion (loss of patency). 

3

Position Ben Thomas played in baseball.

What is infielder (or bench). 

4

Name one site (other than arms or hands) where vascular access is commonly placed in NICU babies.

What are feet, scalp, or umbilical veins?

4

All PICCs are this type of line, but not all of these are PICCs.

What is a Central Venous Catheter (CVC)?

4

A short dwell time means this must happen more often.

What is line replacement?

4

TKO prevents this from backing up into the catheter.

What is blood reflux?

4

This NeoMed rep is obsessed with frisbee golf.

Who is Tyler Crowe? 
5

Why is vascular access considered a “lifeline” for NICU babies?

Because it enables medications, fluids, nutrition, and monitoring essential for survival.

5

Clinicians sometimes use ultrasound or infrared tools for this reason.

What is to find usable veins in neonates?

5

Name two risks of repeated access attempts.

What are pain/trauma and infection/delays in therapy?

5

True or False: TKO eliminates the need for nurses to flush lines entirely.

What is False?

5

This SNS rep has had a hole in one. 

Who is Brooke Johnson?

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