NICU Babies
Premature babies often cannot feed orally. What type of nutrition do they rely on?
What is Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?
What does “PICC” stand for?
What is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter?
A “clogged straw” inside a catheter is better known as this complication.
What is an occlusion?
Nexus TKO is a needleless, neutral ______ connector.
What is a displacement connector?
Hospitals are penalized for high rates of this bloodstream infection.
What is CLABSI?
These front-line caregivers place PIVs, flush lines, and troubleshoot occlusions.
Who are NICU nurses?
Name two critical reasons why NICU babies need IV access besides nutrition.
What are medication delivery and blood draws/monitoring?
These veins are extremely small—often only 1–2 millimeters wide.
What are neonatal veins?
What does CLABSI stand for?
What is Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection?
TKO acts like this for an IV line, keeping it clear and reducing clogs.
What is a protective valve?
Hospitals aim for the “quadruple aim.” Name one of the four goals.
What is improved outcomes, lower cost, better workflow, or higher satisfaction?
These physicians oversee NICU treatment plans and sometimes place umbilical lines.
Who are neonatologists?
This type of line is placed in the belly button shortly after birth.
What is a UVC or UAC?
Why are NICU veins especially fragile?
They have thin walls and can tear or collapse easily.
When a line shifts out of place due to baby movement or poor securement, this happens.
What is dislodgement?
TKO reduces reliance on this common but inconsistently performed nursing task.
What is manual flushing?
Every CLABSI can cost a hospital between this range per patient.
What is $30,000–$50,000+?
This specialized team uses ultrasound to place complex lines like PICCs.
What is the Vascular Access Team?
Name one site (other than arms or hands) where vascular access is commonly placed in NICU babies.
What are feet, scalp, or umbilical veins?
All PICCs are this type of line, but not all of these are PICCs.
What is a Central Venous Catheter (CVC)?
A short dwell time means this must happen more often.
What is line replacement?
By reducing touches, TKO lowers the risk of these two major complications.
What are occlusions and CLABSIs?
Dwell time refers to this.
What is how long a line stays in place and working?
This group monitors infection rates and pushes for devices with built-in safety features.
Who is the Infection Prevention Team?
Why is vascular access considered a “lifeline” for NICU babies?
Because it enables medications, fluids, nutrition, and monitoring essential for survival.
Clinicians sometimes use ultrasound or infrared tools for this reason.
What is to find usable veins in neonates?
Name two risks of repeated access attempts.
What are pain/trauma and infection/delays in therapy?
True or False: TKO eliminates the need for nurses to flush lines entirely.
What is False?
This hospital committee acts as the gatekeeper for new product approvals.
What is the VAC (Value Analysis Committee)?
These “gatekeepers” manage product approvals and cost considerations.
Who are Pharmacy & Materials Management?