Anatomical Basis of Neonatal Umbilical Catheterisation: A Skills Gap Analysis Among Neonatal Nurses in Borno State

Umbilical venous and arterial catheterisation are critical life-saving procedures in neonatal intensive care, used for medication administration, blood sampling, parenteral nutrition, and haemodynamic monitoring. Safe catheter placement requires knowledge of umbilical cord anatomy, including the distinction between the umbilical vein and the two umbilical arteries, and understanding of the catheter trajectory through the umbilical vein to the right atrium or ductus venosus. Complications such as portal vein thrombosis, hepatic necrosis, and cardiac arrhythmia can result from poor anatomical understanding during insertion. This study aims to conduct a skills gap analysis of anatomical knowledge underpinning neonatal umbilical catheterisation among neonatal nurses at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Borno State Specialist Hospital, North East Nigeria. A validated knowledge questionnaire and supervised procedural skills evaluation using a neonatal simulation model will be employed. Deficiencies identified will be cross-referenced with radiographic records of catheter malposition complications over the preceding two years. Findings will guide the development of anatomy-based competency standards for neonatal catheterisation practice in North East Nigeria.

Keywords: umbilical catheterisation, neonatal anatomy, nursing competence, Borno State, umbilical vessels