Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common complication of umbilical artery catheterization?

1. Infection

2. Hypertension

3. Thrombosis

4. Hypotension

The correct answer is: Hypertension

Umbilical artery catheterization is a common procedure performed in neonatal care that allows for the monitoring of blood pressure and blood gas analysis, as well as providing a route for medication administration. Each of the possible complications associated with this procedure carries different implications. Infection is indeed a recognized risk, as any intrusion into the vascular system can introduce pathogens. Thrombosis can also occur as the catheter can lead to clot formation within the vessel, obstructing blood flow. Hypotension is another possible complication, particularly if there is significant blood loss or impaired venous return due to the presence of the catheter. However, hypertension is not commonly associated with umbilical artery catheterization. The procedure generally does not lead to increased systemic vascular resistance, which is often the underlying cause of hypertension. Rather, complications typically involve symptoms like hypotension rather than hypertension. Therefore, hypertension stands out as the correct response, as it is not a recognized complication of umbilical artery catheterization.