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Glossary of NICU Terms

ANEMIA
The condition of too few red blood cells.
ANTIBIOTICS
Drugs which can either kill bacteria or slow their growth; used in treating bacterial infections.
APNEA
The condition of not breathing.
ASPIRATION
Inhalation of material (formula, meconium or stomach juice) into the trachea (windpipe) and lungs.
BILIRUBIN
A pigment produced in the breakdown of red blood cells that appears as yellow skin coloring (jaundice).
BILILIGHTS
Lights placed over or under the infant to help in the breakdown of bilirubin, thereby reducing jaundice.
BIOX
A machine that measures oxygen level through a small probe on the infant's hand or foot.
BLOOD GASES
Laboratory test to determine the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
BRADYCARDIA
Slow heart rate.
CAT SCAN
A special x-ray study which uses a computer to create an image of the body or a part of the body.
CHEST P.T.
Vibration on the chest to loosen secretions and suctioning to remove mucous from the lungs.
CYANOSIS
Condition in which the skin, lips and nails are blue from lack of oxygen in the blood.
DEXTROSTIX
A special strip of plastic used to determine how much sugar is present in a sample of blood.
DISTENDED ABDOMEN
Full, tight appearance of the stomach.
EKG (Electroencephalogram)
Test done to measure brain wave pattern or to look for seizures.
ECHO (Echocardiogram)
A heart test done with sound waves to pick up the image of the heart and its vessels through the chest wall without hurting the baby.
GAVAGE
A method of feeding the baby fluids by inserting a small plastic tube, called and orogastric (OG) tube, through the mouth or nose into the stomach.
GESTATIONAL AGE
Age of the baby in weeks, determined from the time of conception.
GLUCOSE
Sugar in the blood used for energy.
GRUNTING
Noises heard when a baby is having difficulty breathing.
HEELSTICK
A small prick in the heel to obtain a blood sample.
HEMATOCRIT
The percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
HYALIN MEMBRANE DISEASE (RDS)
A respiratory disease often seen in premature infants. Caused by immature lung development.
HYPERALIMENTATION
Giving nutrients through a vein for babies who cannot be fed by mouth.
INCUBATOR (Isolette)
An enclosed, heated Plexiglas bed.
INTRALIPID
A white, high calorie solution also administered through a vein to provide fat for babies who can not be fed by mouth.
INTRVENOUS (IV)
Introduction of fluids into a vein.
INTUBATION
Insertion of a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe).
I & O (Intake and Output)
Total amount of fluid taken in, then lost as urine, stool or perspiration.
JAUNDICE
(See bilirubin)
MECONIUM
A baby's first stool, which is greenish or black.
NASAL CANNULA
A special tubing that is used to give oxygen through the nose, making holding and feeding easier.
NPO
Baby will get nothing to eat by mouth.
PICC (pick) LINE
A special IV line used to provide fluids into a vein. In general, a PICC line is very stable and lasts longer than a typical IV.
PNEUMONIA
Inflammation of infection of the lungs.
PNEUMOTHORAX
Accumulation of air between the outer lining of the lung and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung.
PREMATURE INFANT
A baby who is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
RESPIRATOR (Ventilator)
A machine that breathes for an infant.
ROUNDS
The gathering of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to discuss the condition and care of patients.
SEPSIS
Infection
SPINAL TAP (LP)
Insertion of a small needle through the back into he spinal column to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.
SUCTION
Removal of secretions from the nose or throat or from an endotracheal tube using a small plastic tube connected to a vacuum outlet.
STOOL
Bowel movement
TRANSFUSION
Giving blood or blood products to a baby through a vein.
UMBILICAL CATHETER (or Umbilical Line)
A tiny plastic tube inserted into the blood vessel of a baby's umbilical cord used to give the baby fluids and to withdraw blood samples.
VITAL SIGNS
Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.