Questions regarding Umbilical Access

Published

Specializes in NICN.

I'm in advanced OB/PEDS and my teacher and I would like to know as much about umbilical access lines as you can tell me. How long can you wait before you have to access the umbilical cord? How do you keep it moist and open? How long can you use the umbilical cord? Anything else you think would be useful I would greatly appreciate. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I'm in advanced OB/PEDS and my teacher and I would like to know as much about umbilical access lines as you can tell me. How long can you wait before you have to access the umbilical cord? How do you keep it moist and open? How long can you use the umbilical cord? Anything else you think would be useful I would greatly appreciate. Thanks

I'm too short on time to post a tutorial on umbilical arterial and venous catheters, but I would suggest contacting the nurse manager or nurse educator of OB/Nursery/NICU at the hospital where you do your clinicals. UACs and UVCs are common in Level II and Level III units, so I am certain that there is a unit in your area that could provide the information you are seeking. Ask for a copy of the policy and procedure for insertion and care of umbilical catheters, a sample of the catheters used, or even an opportunity to observe in the unit.

When I managed a NICU, I truly enjoyed helping students with this kind of thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I agree, check with your local hospital for their policy and procedures.

That being said, I have seen UAC started after a couple of days, and UVC's at 5-7 days. One of our docs has done that when we have had problems with peripheral lines. Usually a UAC is d/c'd around day 3, and a UVC at 7-10 days. I am sure things are different at other hospitals, but I'd be interested to know what other nurses have experienced.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We also discontinue a UAC after 3 days. Our UVC we don't keep longer than 15 days, but most get discontinued at 7 days.

Christine, RNC, BSN

I agree, check with your local hospital for their policy and procedures.

That being said, I have seen UAC started after a couple of days, and UVC's at 5-7 days. One of our docs has done that when we have had problems with peripheral lines. Usually a UAC is d/c'd around day 3, and a UVC at 7-10 days. I am sure things are different at other hospitals, but I'd be interested to know what other nurses have experienced.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

You can access the umbilical cord the minute the kid's born. We try to get those out as soon as we can, and place a PICC line. If we don't put a UAC/UVC in right after birth,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion