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Glossary of Terms

Intravenous (IV)
A catheter (small tube) placed directly through the skin into the vein in a baby’s hand, arm, foot, leg or scalp. Nutrients, fluids and medications can flow through this tube. Using an IV is a common route for delivering fluids to newborns and other patients. Babies’ veins are very fragile, so the location of the IV may need to be changed frequently.

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