Teach Me Tuesday: NEC in the NICU | Early Signs, Bell’s Staging, and Nursing Interventions

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious conditions seen in the NICU, and early recognition is critical. This video focuses on how NEC presents at the bedside, including subtle early changes, typical and atypical signs, and what actions nurses need to take when NEC is suspected. NEC begins in the intestines, but the first signs are often systemic. Changes in behavior, feeding tolerance, respiratory status, and perfusion can occur before obvious abdominal findings. Recognizing these early changes allows for faster intervention and improved outcomes. In this video, we cover: • Early signs and symptoms of NEC • The importance of recognizing change from baseline • Bell’s staging and the difference between medical and surgical NEC • Key lab findings including thrombocytopenia, acidosis, and DIC risk • Imaging findings and what to escalate • Bedside nursing actions including NPO, Replogle use, labs, and antibiotics If you are a NICU nurse, new graduate, or experienced clinician, this is essential knowledge for early recognition and intervention. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more NICU nursing education. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace clinical judgment, institutional policies, or provider guidance. Always follow your unit protocols and consult your care team when managing patients.