Importance of nursing in neonatal care [Importancia de la enfermería en el cuidado de neonatos]

Abstract

It is important for nurses to provide specific care for epicutaneous catheters through scientific knowledge, putting into practice all skills and abilities, always taking into account the risks and benefits in which neonates are subjected to this procedure.

Critically ill neonates, who are hospitalised in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), are subjected to several invasive procedures, which are very important for their survival, but can also lead to future complications. One of these procedures is the insertion of a peripheral central catheter, which is currently indicated specifically to save and prolong the life of neonates.

The placement of the peripheral central insertion catheter (PICC) is a very simple technique, which provides multiple benefits to the neonate, thus allowing the venous accesses to be kept intact, which will be of great use later on, thus reducing the stress and pain to which the neonate is subjected.

Verification of the proper placement of the peripheral central insertion catheter (PICC) is done by means of an X-ray, where the correct location is verified according to the site where it has been placed, be it the lower or upper limbs, thus reducing the incidence of complications that may arise in the event that it is incorrectly placed.