Which of the following is an indication for an umbilical venous catheter?

An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is commonly indicated for accessing the venous system of neonates, particularly for those in need of intravenous therapy. One significant use of a UVC is for blood sampling, which allows for easy collection of blood without the need for repeated venous punctures. This is particularly important in critically ill infants, where maintaining venous access is challenging and avoiding trauma to the delicate venous structures is crucial.

In addition to blood sampling, UVCs are often utilized for the administration of medications, fluids, and parenteral nutrition, making them a critical tool in neonatal intensive care settings. The ability to draw blood through the catheter minimizes distress for the infant and reduces the risk of complications associated with multiple needle sticks.

Other options, while they may represent clinical situations in which a UVC could be relevant, do not directly indicate the initial intent for using an umbilical venous catheter. For instance, vascular compromise could be a reason to consider various forms of access but does not specifically advocate for a UVC, and acute abdomen or omphalitis are associated with different clinical considerations that do not specifically relate to the function or purpose of a UVC.